AN ARGOSY OF 

FABLES 



;D1TED BY FREDERIC TABER COOPER 
ILLUSTRATED BY PAUL BRANSOM 



RUTHEESSNESS 




' 



C o O 



• 




AN ARGOSY OF 
FABLES 




'THE MOUSE BESOUGHT HIM TO SPARE ONE WHO HAD SO UNCONSCIOUSLY 

OFFENDED." 

— Page 1> 



AN^ARGOSY 
OF<" FABLES 




Ftofn tfooF&blo litote&Wc> 
of Evcatj Ago and Land 

c&kafetf and £dffad£>tf 
FREDERIC TABER COOPER 




typAXJL BRANSOM 




NEWYORK 

FREJXE/RICK A>. STOKE/S dOMPAJSY 
PUBLISHERS 






^ 



Copyright, 1921, by 
Frederick A. Stokes Compant 



All rights reserved, including that of 
translation into foreign languages 



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ACKNOWLEDGMENT 

The Publishers acknowledge the courtesy of Mr. Basil H. 
Blackwell, publisher of "The Masterpieces of La Fontaine" in per- 
mitting the use of Paul Hookham's translation of twelve fables by 
La Fontaine. 



CONTENTS 

BOOK ONE 

CLASSICAL FABLES 

PART I. jESOP page 

The Fox and the Grapes JEsop 3 

The Bowman and the Lion 3 

The Wolf and the Crane 4 

The Boy and the Scorpion 4 

The Fox and the Goat 5 

The Widow and the Hen 5 

The Kid and the Wolf 6 

The Two Wallets " 6 

The Fisherman Piping 6 

The Man and the Satyr 7 

The Flies and the Honey-pot 7 

The Mouse and the Frog 7 

The Dog and the Shadow 8 

The Fox and the Lion " 9 

The Wolf and the Lamb 9 

The Bear and the Fox " 10 

The Country Mouse and the Town Mouse .... 10 

The Dog, the Cock and the Fox 12 

The Lion and the Mouse 12 

The Gull and the Kite " 13 

The Pomegranate, the Apple and the Bramble . . 13 

The Tortoise and the Eagle " 14 

The Hare and the Tortoise " 14 

The Hen and the Cat 15 

The Shepherd-boy and the Wolf 15 

The Sick Stag " 16 

The Moon and Her Mother 16 

vii 



viii CONTENTS 

PART I. IESOP PAGE 

The Ass and the Grasshoppers /Esop 16 

The Fox and the Woodman 17 

The Lamb and the Wolf 17 

Jupiter and the Camel 18 

The Crab and Her Mother 18 

The One-eyed Doe " 18 

The Lion and the Fox 19 

The Travellers and the Bear ....... " 19 

The Collier and the Fuller " 20 

The Lion, the Ass and the Fox Hunting 20 

The Ass and the Lap-dog 21 

The Wind and the Sun " 22 

The Lion in Love . " 22 

The Dolphins and the Sprat 23 

The Wolves and the Sheep 23 

The Belly and the Members . " 24 

Hercules and the Waggoner 25 

The Fox without a Tail " 25 

The Farthing Rushlight " 26 

The Hares and the Frogs " 26 

The Lioness " 27 

The Angler and the Little Fish " 27 

The Farmer and His Sons " 28 

The Husbandman and the Stork " 28 

The Old Woman and the Physician 29 

The Swallow and the Raven " 30 

The Monkey and the Dolphin " 30 

The Wolf and the Sheep " 31 

The Bundle of Sticks " 31 

The Widow and the Sheep " 32 

The Man and the Lion " 32 

The Man Bitten By a Dog " 33 

The Horse and the Stag " 33 

The Birdcatcher and the Lark " 34 

The Mischievous Dog " 34 

The Travellers and the Plane-tree " 35 



CONTENTS 



IX 



PART I. .ESOP PAGE 

Jupiter, Neptune, Minerva and Momus JEsop 35 

Mercury and the Woodman 36 

The Geese and the Cranes 37 

Jupiter and the Bee 37 

The Goatherd and the Goats 38 

The Marriage of the Sun " 38 

The Gnat and the Bull " 39 

The Eagle and the Arrow 39 

The Dog in the Manger " 40 

The Lion, the Bear and the Fox " 40 

The Goose with the Golden Eggs " 40 

The Lion and the Dolphin 41 

The Fox and the Hedgehog " 41 

The Trumpeter Taken Prisoner " 42 

The Fir-tree and the Bramble 42 

The Fisherman " 43 

The Ass and His Masters " 43 

The Doctor and His Patient " 44 

The Two Pots " 44 

The Lion and the Goat " 45 

The Wolf and the Shepherd 45 

The Travellers and the Hatchet " 46 

The Ass, the Fox and the Lion " 46 

The Lion and Ass Hunting " 47 

The Ass and His Driver " 47 

The Mice and the Weasels " 48 

The Hart and the Vine " 48 

The Farmer and His Two Daughters " 49 

The Horse and the Loaded Ass " 49 

The Sick Lion " 50 

The Eagle and the Jackdaw " 51 

The Thirsty Pigeon " 51 

The Heifer and the Ox " 52 

The Bald Knight " 52 

The Fox and the Stork ..." 52 

The Falconer and the Partridge " 53 



x CONTENTS 

PART I. ;esop page 

The Bull and the Goat JEsop 53 

The Husbandman and the Sea " 54 

The Jackass in Office " 54 

The Wolf and the Lion 55 

The Hound and the Hare 55 

The Kid and the Wolf 55 

The Quack Frog " 56 

The Ant and the Dove 56 

The Ass in the Lion's Skin " 57 

The Goat and the Goatherd 57 

The Boy Bathing ..." 58 

The Farmer and the Dogs " 58 

The Farmer and the Lion 58 

The Charger and the Ass 59 

The Brazier and His Dog " 59 

Venus and the Cat . 60 

The Great and the Little Fishes 60 

The Wolf and the Goat " 61 

The Ass, the Cock and the Lion 61 

The Rivers and the Sea " 61 

The Ass Carrying Salt " 62 

The Blackamoor 63 

The Sea-side Travellers 63 

The Leopard and the Fox " 64 

The Monkey and the Fisherman " 64 

The Eagle and the Beetle " 64 

The Man and His Two Wives " 66 

The Vine and the Goat " 66 

The Sick Kite . " 67 

The Ass's Shadow " 67 

The Dogs and the Hides " 67 

The Lion and the Bulls " 68 

The Raven and the Swan " 68 

The Shepherd and the Sea " 69 

The Swallow in Chancery " 69 

The Old Woman and Her Maids " 70 



CONTENTS 



XI 



PART I. jESOP 

The Miser . JEsop 

The Wild Boar and the Fox 

The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing 

The Boasting Traveller 

The Wolf and the Horse 

The Hunter and the Woodman 

The Blind Man and the Whelp 

Tije Porker and the Sheep 

"""The Monkey and the Camel 



The Horse and the Groom .... 
The Fawn and His Mother .... 

The Cat and the Mice 

The Nurse and the Wolf 

The Mule 

The Wolf and the Shepherds 
Mercury and the Sculptor .... 

The Astronomer 

The Creaking Wheels 

The Countryman and the Snake . 

The Viper and the File 

The Mole and Her Mother .... 
The Man, the Horse, the Ox and the Dog 
The War-horse and the Miller . 

The Kites and the Swans 

The Fowler and the Viper .... 

The Horse and His Rider 

-^The Camel 

The Crab and the Fox 

The Walnut-tree 

The Thieves and the Cock 

The Thief and the Innkeeper 

The Jackdaw and the Doves .... 

The Crow and Mercury 

The Crow and the Serpent . . . . 
The Crow and the Raven ..... 
The Swan and the Goose 



page 
70 
71 
71 
71 
72 
72 
73 
73 
73 
74 
74 
75 
75 
76 
76 
77 
77 
78 
78 
78 
79 
79 
80 
80 
81 
81 
82 
82 
82 
83 
83 
84 
85 
85 
86 
86 



xu 



CONTENTS 



PART I. .ESOP PAGE 

The Two Dogs Msop 87 

The Dogs and the Fox 87 

The Dog's House " 87 

The Dog and the Oyster 88 

The Gnat and the Lion 88 

The Hares and the Foxes 89 

The Fox and the Monkey 89 

The Monkey Who Would Be King " 89 

The Manslayer 90 

The Frogs and the Well . 90 

The Wise and Foolish Frogs 91 

The Labourer and the Snake 91 

The Peasant and the Apple-tree 92 

The Philosopher, the Ants and Mercury .... 92 

The Oaks and Jupiter 93 

The Oak and the Woodcutters . 93 

The Olive-tree and the Fig-tree 94 

The Dancing Monkeys 94 

The Rich Man and the Tanner " 95 

The Shepherd and the Wolf 95 

The Shepherd and the Sheep 95 

The Wasps, the Partridges and the Farmer .... 96 

The Peacock and the Crane 96 

The Flea and the Wrestler 97 

The Flea and the Man 97 

The Flea and the Ox " 97 

The Hares and the Lions " 98 

The Kingdom of the Lion ..." 98 

The Lion and the Hare " 99 

The Lion, the Wolf and the Fox ...... 99 

The Lion, the Mouse and the Fox 100 

The Wild Ass and the Lion 100 

The Lion, Jupiter and the Elephant " 101 

The Lion and the Bull " 101 

The Wolves and the Sheep-dogs " 102 

The Wolf and the Lion " 103 



CONTENTS 



xin 



PART I. iESOP PAGE 

The Prophet JEsop 103 

The Spendthrift and the Swallow 103 

The Bat and the Weasels " 104 

The Traveller and Fortune 104 

The Ass and His Purchaser 105 

The Ass and the Frogs 105 

The Ass and the Wolf " 106 

The Hen and the Swallow " 106 

The Swollen Fox " 107 

The Fishermen " 107 

The Fox and the Bramble 108 

The Game-cocks and the Partridge 108 

The Owl and the Birds " 109 



PART II. BABRIUS 

The Frog and the Ox 

The Arab and the Camel 

The Hare and the Hound 

The Farmer and the Crane . . 

The Hunter and the Fisherman 

The Beeves and the Butchers 

The Dog and His Master 

The Lark and Her Young Ones 

The Lion and the Eagle 

Jupiter and the Monkey 

The Playful Ass 

The Bird-catcher, the Partrbdge and the Cock 
The Mouse and the Bull 



Babrius 113 
113 
114 
114 
114 
115 
115 
116 
117 
117 
118 
118 
119 



PART III. A. PHiEDRUS 

The Frogs asking for a King Phcedrus 123 

The Vain Jackdaw " 124 

The Cow, the Goat, the Sheep and the Lion . . . 124 

The Fox and the Mask 125 

The Hare and the Sparrow 125 

The Monkey Holding Court 126 



xiv CONTENTS 

PART III. A. PHiEDRUS PAGE 

The Stag at the Pool Phcedrus 126 

The Cobbler Turned Doctor " 127 

The Ass and the Old Shepherd 127 

The Stag and the Sheep 128 

The Puppies and Their Mother 128 

The Old Lion " 129 

The Faithful Dog " 129 

The Dog and the Crocodile 130 

The Frogs and the Fighting Bulls " 130 

The Kite and the Pigeons " 131 

The Eagle, the Cat and the Wild Sow " 131 

The Mules and the Robbers " 132 

The Stag in the Ox-stall 133 

The Old Hound " 134 

The Old Woman and the Wine- jar 134 

The Panther and the Shepherds ...... 135 

The Monkey's Face " 135 

msop and the young rowdy " 136 

The Fly and the Draught-mule 136 

The House-dog and the Wolf " 137 

The Cripple and the Bully 138 

The Bees, the Drones and the Wasp " 138 

^sop at Play " 139 

The Grasshopper and the Owl 139 

The Trees Under the Protection of the Gods ... 140 

The Peacock and Juno 140 

^esop and the impertinent fellow 141 

The She-goats and Their Beards " 142 

The Helmsman and the Sailors 142 

The Mountain in Labour " 142 

The Two Soldiers and the Robber 143 

The Bald Man and the Fly " 143 

The Mountebank and the Countryman " 144 

The Bull and the Calf " 145 



CONTENTS 



xv 



PART III. B. ATTRIBUTED TO PILEDRUS page 

The Trees and the Axe Phcedrus 149 

The Snail and the Monkey 149 

The Lion and the Shepherd 150 

The Horse and the Ass 150 

The Bhids, the Beasts and the Bat 151 

The Apes and the Two Travellers 151 

The Stork, the Goose and the Hawk 152 

The Crow and the Sheep 153 

The Horse and the Ass 153 

The Flea and the Camel 154 

The Eagle and the Kite 154 

The Swallow and the Other Birds 155 

The Partrtoge and the Fox 156 

^sop and the runaway slave " 156 

The Cock and the Cats Who Bore His Litter ... 157 

The Famished Bear " 158 

The Snake and the Lizard 158 



PART 
The 
The 
The 
The 
The 
The 
The 
The 
The 
The 
The 
The 
The 
The 
The 
The 



IV. AVIANUS, ABSTEMIUS, ETC. 

Boy and the Thief Avianus 161 

Crow and the Water Jar " 162 

Fly and the Chariot Abstemius 162 

Eel and the Snake 162 

Fish That Leaped From the Frying-pan ..." 163 
Youth and the Old Man ....... " 163 

Stream and Its Source " 164 

River Shark Who Would Be King of the Ocean . " 164 

Bear and His Mate " 165 

Mice in Council " 166 

Abbot and the Flea Odo of Sherington 166 

Crane Who Quarreled With His Mate ... " 

Toad and the Frog " 

Cat and the Stork ........ " 

Bird of Saint Martin " 

Cat's Beautiful Wife 



167 
167 
168 
168 
169 



A 



xvi CONTENTS 

PART IV. AVIANUS, ABSTEMIUS, ETC. PAGE 

The Frog's Beautiful Son Odo of Sherington 170 

The Ass Pretending That He Was III ... . " 170 

The Wolf and the Hare " 171 

Gold and Lead Nicholas Pergamenus 172 

The Lock and the Key " 173 

The Frog and the Crab " 174 

The Miller, His Son and Thehi Ass Faernus 175 



BOOK TWO 

ORIENTAL FABLES 

PART I. HINDOO FABLES 

The Fowler and the Pigeons Hitopadeqa 181 

The Tiger and the Traveller 182 

The Jackal, the Deer and the Crow ..... 183 

The Vulture, the Cat and the Birds 187 

Golden-skin, the Mouse " 188 

The Death of the Greedy Jackal . . . . -. . 189 

The Old Jackal and the Elephant 190 

The Monkey and the Wedge 191 

The Washerman's Jackass 192 

The Cat Who Served the Lion 193 

The Terrible Bell " 194 

The Black Snake and the Golden Chain 195 

The Lion and the Old Hare 196 

The Weaver Birds and the Monkeys 197 

The Ass in a Tiger's Skin " 198 

The Dyed Jackal " 198 

The Herons and the Mongoose " 200 

The Hermit and the Mouse " 200 

The Crane and the Crab " 201 

The Brahman and the Pans " 202 

The Brahman and the Three Goats " 203 

The Camel, the Lion and His Court " 204 

The Frogs and the Old Serpent 206 



CONTENTS 



xvii 



PART I. HINDOO FABLES PAGE 

The Sparrow, the Woodpecker, the Fly, the Frog 

and the Elephant Panchatantra 207 

The Mouse Metamorphosed into a Girl .... " 209 

The Lion and the Jackal 212 

The Monkey and the Crocodile 213 

The Frog and the Serpent 216 

The Lioness, the Whelps and the Little Jackal . 220 

The Two Fishes and the Frog 222 

The Bird With Two Beaks " 224 

The Brahman Saved By a Crab 225 

The Story of the Mouse Merchant . . Katha-Sarit-Sagara 226 
The Merchant's Son and the Iron Scales . . " 228 

The Monkeys, the Firefly and the Bird . . " 229 

The Servant Who Looked After a Door . . " 230 

The Servants Who Kept the Rain Off the Trunks 231 

The Snake With Two Heads " 232 

The Brahman and the Mongoose .... " 232 

The Discontented Ox Munika Jataka 233 

The Stupid Monkeys Aramadusaka Jataka 234 

The Judas Tree Kimsukopami Jataka 235 

The Otters and the Jackal .... Darbhapappha Jataka 237 
The Seeds and the Wheat ...... "Les Avadanes" 238 



PART II. PERSIAN FABLES 
The Camel and the Rat .... Jami, 
The Camel and the Ass .... 
The Dog and the Loaf of Bread . 
The Camel and the Shrub .... 
The Red Wasp and the Honey-bee . 
The Peacock, the Crow and the 

Tortoise 

The Young Fox and His Mother . 

The Firefly Sadi 

The Young Camel and His Mother . 
Abdul Aziz and the Pearl .... 



The Baharistari" 


241 


a 


241 


u 


242 


u 


242 


tt 


243 


a 


244 


a 


245 


i, "The Burstan" 


245 


a 


245 


u 


246 



xviii CONTENTS 

PART II. PERSIAN FABLES PAGE 

The Rain-drop Sadi, "The Burstan" 246 

The Vulture and the Kite " 247 

The Greedy Cat Anvar-i Suhaili 247 

The Camel Driver and the Snake .... " 249 

The Blind Man and the Snake 252 

PART III. CHINESE FABLES 

The Bittern and the Mussel .... "China Review." 257 

The Fox and the Tiger " 257 

The Locust, the Beetle, the Goldfinch 

and the Hunter 258 

The King and the Horses That Turned the Mills . M. S. Julien 259 
The Crow and the Peacock . "Coxites et Legendes de VAnnam" 260 

The Crows and the Owls "Folk-lore of China" 262 

The Folly of Avarice 263 

PART IV. ARMENIAN AND TURKISH FABLES 

The Violet and the Iris Mkhithar Goch 267 

The Sun's Waning Glory " 267 

The Vain Cereals " 268 

The Watermelon 268 

The Highwayman and the Priest 269 

The Big Fish and the Frogs 269 

The Plum, the Prune and the Apricot . . . 270 

The Planter and the Pomegranate .... 270 

The Fig-tree and His Branches 271 

The Thorn and the Vine 271 

The Trees Choosing a King " 272 

The Prince and the Flea Vartan 273 

The Fox and the Icicle " 273 

The Thirty-two Teeth " . ..." 273 

The Two Kings At War "Fables Turques" 274 



CONTENTS xix 

BOOK THREE 

MODERN FABLES 

PARTI. ENGLISH FABLES page 

Verbatim from Boileau Alexander Pope 281 

The Lost Camel Oliver Goldsmith 281 

The Spectacles " 283 

The Young Lady and the Looking-glass T. Moore 283 

The Man and the Flea John Gay 285 

The Hare and Many Friends " 286 

The Turkey and the Ant " 289 

The Boy and the Rainbow " 290 

The Farmer's Wife and the Raven " 291 

The Quarrelsome Cats Robert Dodsley 292 

The Boys and the Frogs " 293 

Echo and the Owl " 294 

The Fly in St. Paul's Cupola " 294 

The Spider and the Silkworm " 295 

The Two Lizards " 296 

The Boy and the Filberts " 296 

The Boy and the Nettle " 297 

The Stars and the Sky-rocket " 297 

The Kingfisher and the Sparrow " 298 

The Humming-bird and the Traveller . . . .Dr. Aikin 298 

The Chameleon James Merrick 299 

The Bears and the Bees " 302 

The Nightingale and the Glow-worm . . . William Cowper 303 

The Lily and the Rose " 304 

The Butterfly and the Bee .... William Lisle Bowles 305 
The Mountain and the Squirrel . . Ralph Waldo Emerson 306 

Six Men Of Indostan John Godfrey Saxe 306 

Three Bugs Alice Cory 309 

The Chicken's Mistake Phoebe Gary 310 

The Crow's Children . . . . - " 312 

The Envious Wren " 314 

They Didn't Think " 316 



xx CONTENTS 

PART II. FRENCH FABLES page 

Death and the Woodman La Fontaine 321 

The Fox and the Stork " 321 

The Cock and the Pearl " 323 

The Oak and the Reed " 323 

The Council Held by the Rats " 325 

The Bat and the Two Weasels " 326 

The Fox and the Raven " 328 

The Saying of Socrates " 329 

The Hare's Ears " 329 

The Cock, the Cat and the Young Mouse ... " 330 

The Mule Who Boasted of His Family .... " 332 

The Hare and the Tortoise 333 

The Sick Lion and the Fox 334 

The Animals Sick With the Plague .... " 335 

The Milk-woman and Her Pail " 338 

The Cobbler and the Financier . . . . . 339 

The Rat and the Elephant 341 

The Monkey and the Cat 342 

The Kite and the Nightingale " 344 

The Old Man and the Three Young Men ... " 345 

The Cat and the Two Sparrows 346 

Cupid and Folly 348 

The Elephant and the Ape of Jupiter . . . 349 

Madam Sage and Madam Tea . . . Antoine Frangois le Bailly 351 
The Clock and the Sun-dial .... Houdard de La Motte 352 

Honour, Fire and Water Etienne Pavilion 353 

The Snake and the Hedgehog Henri Richer 354 

The Ass and the Horse .... Antoine Frangois le Bailly 355 

The Apes and the Leopard . Florian 355 

The Rhinoceros and the Dromedary " 357 

The Peacock, the Geese and the Diver " 358 

The CoNFroENT Parrot " 358 

The Critical Parrot " 360 

The Two Bald Men " 361 

The Flying-fish " 361 

The Silkworm " 362 



CONTENTS xxi 

PART II. FRENCH FABLES PAGE 

The Cat and the Looking-glass Florian 362 

The Elephants and Their Masters Nivernois 363 

The Birds of Passage " 365 

The Butterfly and the Bee " 366 

PART III. SPANISH FABLES 

The Ass and the Flute lriarte 369 

The Bear and the Monkey " 370 

The Cathedral Bell and the Hermitage Bell ..." 371 

The Ivy and the Thyme " 373 

The Sword and the Spit " 374 

The Goose and the Goldfinch " 375 

The Ant and the Flea " 377 

The Mouse and the Cat " 378 

The Swan and the Linnet " 379 

The Silkworm and the Spider " 381 

The Two Rabbits " 381 

The Frog and the Frogling " 383 

The Owl " 384 

The Goat and the Horse " 386 

The Duck and the Serpent " 387 

The Jeweller and the Lace-maker " 388 

The Frog and the Hen " 389 

The Two Thrushes " 389 

The Scrupulous Cats Samaniego 391 

The Caterpillar and the Butterfly Moreno 392 

The Spider's Web " 392 

The Eagle and the Serpent " 393 

The Three Companions Cayetano 393 

PART IV. RUSSIAN FABLES 

The Leaves and the Roots Krilov Z91 

The Sheep's Petition " 398 

The Cask " 399 

The Two Flies and the Bee . " 400 

The Rain Cloud " 401 



xxii CONTENTS 

PART IV. RUSSIAN FABLES PAGE 

The Squirrel and the Thrush Krilov 402 

The Pebble and the Diamond " 402 

The Pike and the Cat " 403 

The Ass and the Nightingale " 404 

Trishka's Caftan " 405 

The Inquisitive Man " 406 

The Education of the Young Lion " 406 

The Farmer's Horse and His Dog " 408 

The Elephant and the Pug Dog " 408 

The Boastful Geese " 409 

The Cuckoo and the Eagle 410 

The Elephant In Favor " 410 

The Eagle and the Spider 411 

The Monkey and the Spectacles ......." 412 

The Kite and the Butterfly " 413 

The Comb " 413 

The Eagle and the Worm Anonymous 414 

PART V. GERMAN FABLES 

The Fir-tree and the Palm Heinrich Heine 419 

The Cock and the Raven Rabner 419 

The Green Donkey Gellert 420 

The Cuckoo " 421 

The Colt " 422 

The Wolf On His Death-bed Lessing 422 

The Ox and the Calf " 423 

The Blind Hen " 423 

The Donkeys " 424 

The Wild Apple-tree 424 

The Bramble " 425 

The Archer and His Bow 425 

Solomon's Ghost " 426 

The Sheep and the Swallow 426 

The Bear and the Elephant 427 

The Ostrich " 427 

The Benefactors " 428 



CONTENTS 



XXlll 



PART V. GERMAN FABLES PAGE 

The Old Stag and the Young Stag Lessing 428 



The Peacock and the Rooster . 
The Lion and the Hare . 
Jupiter and the Horse 
The Nightingale and the Peacock 
The Wolf and the Shepherd 
The Wolf, a Hero .... 

The Goose 

The Oak and the Pig .... 

The Sparrows 

The Ox and the Stag 

.zesop and the ass .... 



429 
429 
429 
431 
431 
432 
432 
433 
433 
434 
434 



PART VI. POLISH FABLES 

The Waggoner and the Butterfly 

The Bird-call 

The Man and His Coat .... 
The Ass and the Lamb .... 
The Brook and the Fountain . 
Wine and Water 



Ignace Krasicki 437 
438 
440 
442 
443 
445 



BOOK FOUR 
KRAAL AND WIGWAM FABLES 

PART I. AFRICAN FABLES 

The Hedgehog and the Dog Senegal Folk-Tale 451 

The Wren and the Camel Kabyle Fable 452 

The Clever Ape and the Foolish Wolf . . Senegambian Fable 453 
The Boar and the Chameleon .... Madagascar Fable 455 
The Guinea-hen and the Crocodile . . . 456 

The Guinea-fowl and the Hen 458 

The Cat and the Rat " 459 

The Frog's Saddle Horse . . "Folk Tales of Angola" 460 

The Man and the Crocodile Senegal Fable 461 

The Rat and the Toad Bomu Fable 463 



XXIV 



CONTENTS 



PART II. AMERICAN INDIAN FABLES page 

The Three Cranberries Chippewa Fable 467 

The Bear and the Rabbit .... "Myths of the Cherokee" 467 

The Owl and the Lemming Eskimo Fable 468 

The Owl and the Two Rabbits . "The Eskimo in Baffin Land" 469 
Why the Bears Have Short Tails . . "Myths of the Cherokee" 469 
The Measure-worm Rock . ... Meewock Legend 470 

The Catfish and the Moose Menomeni Fable 471 

The Pigeon-hawk and the Tortoise "Indian Tales and Researches" 472 
The Wind and the Duck ....... Indian Fable 473 

The Lynx and the Hare " 474 

The Wildcat and the Rabbit . . . "Myths of the Cherokee" 475 
How the Rabbit Escaped From the Wolves " 475 

How the Terrapin Escaped From the 



Wolves 

How the Redbird Got His Color 

The Humming-bird and the Crane 

How the Deer Got His Horns . 

How the Wildcat Got Its Spots 

The Rabbit and the Possum after A Wife 

The Mink, the Pike and the Pickerel 



476 
478 
479 
480 
481 
482 
Menomeni Folklore 483 



The Linnet and the Eagle Ojibway Fable 485 



a 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 

The Mouse besought him to spare one who had so unconsciously of- 
fended" Frontispiece^ 

FACING PAGE 

" 'How dare you muddle the water that I am drinking?' " . . . .10 
"A Dolphin, taking him for a man, went to his assistance." ... 30 
"The Stork was as hungry at the end of the dinner as when she be- 
gan." 52^ 

" 'Now then!' cried the Eagle." 70- 

"The Frog took a sudden plunge to the bottom." 88 L 

" 'It is one thing to be running for your dinner, and another for your 

life.'" 114 

" 'Alas, what deadly danger threatens us!' " 130 

"He exercised his prerogative by devouring a pigeon a day." . . . 140 

"Exasperation sharpened her wits." 162 

"The covetous traveller made up his mind to trust the Tiger." . . . . 182 

"They amused themselves by ringing it all the time." 194 

" 'You simpleton!' said the Camel, 'what have you done?' " . . 242 

" 'If you do not open your shell . . . there will be a dead Mussel.' " . 258 

"The Peacock insisted on being painted first." 262 

" 'There is a sound of a bone in my ears, and the feel of a bone be- 
tween my teeth.'" 272 

" 'If the ducks can swim there, why can't I?' " 310 

" 'Of him, at least, I'll make short work.' " 348 

"Splash, dash, he had reached the opposite side." 394" 

" 'How ever did you reach this height?' asked the Eagle." .... 412 

" 'Certainly, my grandson,' said the Elephant." 460 

" 'The more it hurts, the more fish you will have.' ' 470 



a i 



Let's have a dance over him.' ' 474 

'She did not know that the Crane could fly at night." .... 480 



l< 



BOOK ONE 
CLASSICAL FABLES 




PART I 

^:sop 
the fox and the grapes 

FOX, just at the time of the vintage, stole into a vine- 
yard where the ripe sunny Grapes were trellised up 
on high in most tempting show. He made many a 
spring and a jump after the luscious prize; but, 
failing in all his attempts, he muttered as he re- 
treated, "Well! What does it matter! The Grapes are sour!" 
(Fable 33 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE BOWMAN AND THE LION 

A MAN who was very skilful with his bow, went up into the moun- 
tains to hunt. At his approach there was instantly a great 
consternation and rout among all the wild beasts, the Lion alone 
showing any determination to fight. "Stop," said the Bowman to 
him, "and await my messenger, who has somewhat to say to you." 
With that he sent an arrow after the Lion, and wounded him in 
the side. The Lion, smarting with anguish, fled into the depth of 
the thickets, but a Fox seeing him run, bade him take courage, and 
face his enemy. "No," said the Lion, "you will not persuade me 
to that; for if the messenger he sends is so sharp, what must be 
the power of him who sends it?" 

(Fable 403 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 
3 



CLASSICAL FABLES 



THE WOLF AND THE CRANE 

A WOLF had got a bone stuck in his throat, and in the greatest 
agony ran up and down, beseeching every animal he met to 
relieve him: at the same time hinting at a very handsome reward to 
the successful operator. A Crane, moved by his entreaties and prom- 
ises, ventured her long neck down the Wolf's throat, and drew out 
the bone. She then modestly asked for the promised reward. To 
which, the Wolf, grinning and showing his teeth, replied with seem- 
ing indignation, "Ungrateful creature! to ask for any other reward 
than that you have put your head into a Wolf's jaws, and brought it 
safe out again!" 

Those who are charitable only in the hope of a return, must not be 
surprised if, in their dealings with evil men, they meet with more jeers 
than thanks. 

(Fable 276 b. Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE BOY AND THE SCORPION 

A BOY was hunting Locusts upon a wall, and had caught a great 
number of them; when, seeing a Scorpion, he mistook it for 
another Locust, and was first hollowing his hand to catch it, when the 
Scorpion, lifting up his sting, said: "I wish you had done it, for I 
would soon have made you drop me, and the Locusts into the bar- 
gam. 

(Fable 350 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



7ES0? 5 

THE FOX AND THE GOAT 

A FOX had fallen into a well, and had been casting about for a 
long time how he should get out again ; when at length a Goat 
came to the place, and wanting to drink, asked Reynard whether the 
water was good, and if there was plenty of it. The Fox, dissembling 
the real danger of his case, replied, "Come down, my friend; the 
water is so good that I cannot drink enough of it, and so abundant 
that it cannot be exhausted." Upon this the Goat without any more 
ado leaped in; but after satisfying his thirst, he asked the Fox how 
they were to get out of the well. The Fox replied that it would be 
quite simple if they helped each other; "If you will rear up and place 
your front feet against the side of the well and bend your horns 
forward, I can easily mount on your back and climb out." The 
Goat did as he was told and the Fox nimbly climbed up his back 
and with one jump from the Goat's horns, was safely out of the well. 
"Now it is your turn to help me out," said the Goat. But the Fox, 
leaving him in the lurch, called back, "My friend, if you had half 
as much brains as you have beard, you would have looked before 
you leaped." 

(Fable 45 Halm; Adapted from Thomas James' translation.) 

THE WIDOW AND THE HEN 

A WIDOW kept a Hen that laid an egg every morning. Thought 
the woman to herself, "If I double my Hen's allowance of 
barley, she will lay twice a-day." So she tried her plan, and the 
Hen became so fat and sleek, that she left off laying at all. 

(Fable 111 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



CLASSICAL FABLES 



THE KID AND THE WOLF 

A KID being mounted on the roof of a lofty house and seeing a 
Wolf pass below, began to revile him. The Wolf merely 
stopped to reply, "Coward! It is not you who revile me, but the 
place on which you are standing." 

Time and place often give the advantage to the weak over the 
strong. 

(Fable 135 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE TWO WALLETS 

EVERY man carries Two Wallets, one before and one behind, and 
both full of faults. But the one before, is full of his neigh- 
bour's faults; the one behind, of his own. Thus it happens that 
men are blind to their own faults, but never lose sight of their 
neighbour's. 

(Fable 359 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE FISHERMAN PIPING 

A MAN who cared more for his notes than his nets, seeing some 
fish in the sea, began playing on his pipe, thinking that they 
would jump out on shore. But finding himself disappointed, he took 
a casting-net, and inclosing a great multitude of fish, drew them to 
land. When he saw the fish dancing and flapping about, he smiled 
and said, "Since you would not dance when I piped, I will have 
none of your dancing now." 

It is a great art to do the right thing at the right season. 
(Fable 27 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



zeso? 7 

the man and the satyr 

A MAN and a Satyr having struck up an acquaintance sat down 
together to eat. The day being wintry and cold, the Man 
put his fingers to his mouth and blew upon them. "What's that 
for, my friend?" asked the Satyr. "My hands are so cold," said 
the Man; "I do it to warm them." In a little while some hot food 
was placed before them, and the Man, raising the dish to his mouth, 
again blew upon it. "And what's the meaning of that, now?" 
said the Satyr. "Oh," replied the Man, "my porridge is so hot, 
I do it to cool it." "Nay, then," said the Satyr, "from this moment 
I renounce your friendship, for I will have nothing to do with one 
who blows hot and cold with the same mouth." 

(Fable 64 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE FLIES AND THE HONEY-POT 

A POT of Honey having been upset in a grocer's shop, the Flies 
came around it in swarms to eat it up, nor would they move 
from the spot while there was a drop left. At length their feet be- 
came so clogged that they could not fly away, and, stifled in the lus- 
cious sweets, they exclaimed, "Miserable creatures that we are, who 
for the sake of an hour's pleasure, have thrown away our lives!" 

(Fable 293 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE MOUSE AND THE FROG 

A MOUSE in an evil day made acquaintance with a Frog, and 
they set off on their travels together. The Frog, on pre- 
tence of great affection, and of keeping his companion out of harm's 



8 CLASSICAL FABLES 

way, tied the Mouse's fore-foot to his own hind-leg, and thus they 
proceeded for some distance by land. Presently they came to some 
water, and the Frog, bidding the Mouse have good courage, began to 
swim across. They had scarcely, however, arrived midway, when the 
Frog took a sudden plunge to the bottom, dragging the unfortunate 
Mouse after him. But the struggling and floundering of the 
Mouse made so great commotion in the water that it attracted 
the attention of a Kite, who, pouncing down, and bearing off the 
Mouse, carried away the Frog at the same time in his train. 

Inconsiderate and ill-matched alliances generally end in ruin; 
and the man who compasses the destruction of his neighbour, is 
often caught in his own snare. 

(Fable 298 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE DOG AND THE SHADOW 

A DOG had stolen a piece of meat out of a butcher's shop, and 
was crossing a river on his way home, when he saw his own 
shadow reflected in the stream below. Thinking that it was an- 
other dog with another piece of meat, he resolved to make himself 
master of that also; but in snapping at the supposed treasure, he 
dropped the bit he was carrying, and so lost all. 

Those who grasp at the shadow are likely to lose the substance. 

(Fable 233 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



tesof 9 

the fox and the lion 

A FOX who had never seen a Lion, when by chance he met 
him for the first time, was so terrified that he almost died 
of fright. When he met him the second time, he was still afraid, but 
managed to disguise his fear. When he saw him the third time, he 
was so much emboldened that he went up to him and asked him 
how he did. 

Familiarity breeds contempt. 

(Fable 39 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE WOLF AND THE LAMB 

AS a Wolf was lapping at the head of a running brook, he spied 
a stray Lamb paddling, at some distance, down the stream. 
Having made up his mind to seize her, he bethought himself how he 
might justify his violence. "Villain!" said he, running up to her, 
"how dare you muddle the water that I am drinking?" "Indeed," 
said the Lamb humbly, "I do not see how I can disturb the water, 
since it runs from you to me, not from me to you." "Be that as 
it may," replied the Wolf, "it was but a year ago that you called 
me many ill names." "Oh, Sir!" said the Lamb, trembling, "a 
year ago I was not born." "Well," replied the Wolf, "if it was 
not you, it was your father, and that is all the same; but it is no 
use trying to argue me out of my supper;" — and without another 
word he fell upon the poor helpless Lamb and tore her to pieces. 

A tyrant can always find plenty of excuses for his wicked deeds. 

(Fable 274 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



10 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE BEAR AND THE FOX 

A BEAR used to boast of his excessive love for Man, saying that 
he never worried or mauled him when dead. The Fox ob- 
served, with a smile, "I shouldn't so much care what you did to 
Man after he was dead, if you never ate him alive." 

(Fable 69 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE COUNTRY MOUSE AND THE TOWN MOUSE 

ONCE upon a time a Country Mouse who had a friend in town 
invited him, for old acquaintance sake, to pay him a visit in the 
country. The invitation being accepted in due form, the Country 
Mouse, though plain and rough and somewhat frugal in his nature, 
opened his heart and store, in honour of hospitality and an old 
friend. There was not a carefully stored up morsel that he did 
not bring forth out of his larder, peas and barley, cheese-parings 
and nuts, hoping by quantity to make up what he feared was want- 
ing in quality, to suit the palate of his dainty guest. The Town 
Mouse, condescending to pick a bit here and a bit there, while the 
host sat nibbling a blade of barley-straw, at length exclaimed, "How 
is it, my good friend, that you can endure the dullness of this un- 
polished life? You are living like a toad in a hole. You can't 
really prefer these solitary rocks and woods to streets teeming with 
carriages and men. On my honour, you are wasting your time 
miserably here. We must make the most of life while it lasts. A 
mouse, you know, does not live for ever. So come with me and I'll 



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" 'HOW DARE YOU MUDDLE THE WATER THAT I AM DRINKING?' " 



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yESOP 11 

show you life and the town." Overpowered with such fine words 
and so polished a manner, the Country Mouse assented; and they 
set out together on their journey to town. It was late in the eve- 
ning when they crept stealthily into the city, and midnight ere they 
reached the great house, where the Town Mouse took up his quar- 
ters. Here were couches of crimson velvet, carvings in ivory, 
everything in short that denoted wealth and luxury. On the table 
were the remains of a splendid banquet, to procure which all the 
choicest shops in the town had been ransacked the day before. It 
was now the turn of the courtier to play the host; he places his 
country friend on purple, runs to and fro to supply all his wants, 
presses dish upon dish and dainty upon dainty, and as though he 
were waiting on a king, tastes every course ere he ventures to place 
it before his rustic cousin. The Country Mouse, for his part, affects 
to make himself quite at home, and blesses the good fortune that had 
wrought such a change in his way of life; when, in the midst of his 
enjoyment, as he is thinking with contempt of the poor fare he has 
forsaken, on a sudden the door flies open, and a party of revellers re- 
turning from a late entertainment, bursts into the room. The af- 
frightened friends jump from the table in the greatest consternation 
and hide themselves in the first corner they can reach. No sooner do 
they venture to creep out again than the barking of dogs drive them 
back in still greater terror than before. At length, when things 
seemed quiet, the Country Mouse stole out from his hiding place, and 
bidding his friend good-bye, whispered in his ear, "Oh, my good sir, 
this fine mode of living may do for those who like it ; but give me my 
barley-bread in peace and security before the daintiest feast where 
Fear and Care are in waiting." 

(Fable 297 b. Halm; Adapted and amplified by Thomas James.) 



12 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE DOG, THE COCK AND THE FOX 

A DOG and a Cock having struck up an acquaintance, went out 
on their travels together. Nightfall found them in a forest; 
so the Cock, flying up on a tree, perched among the branches, while 
the Dog dozed below at the foot. As the night passed away and the 
day dawned, the Cock, according to his custom, set up a shrill crowing. 
A Fox hearing him, and thinking to make a meal of him, came and 
stood under the tree, and thus addressed him: — "Thou art a good lit- 
tle bird, and most useful to thy fellow-creatures. Come down, then, 
that we may sing our matins and rejoice together." The Cock re- 
plied, "Go, my good friend, to the foot of the tree, and call the sacri- 
stan to toll the bell." But as the Fox went to call him, the Dog 
jumped out in a moment, and seized the Fox and made an end of him. 

They who lay traps for others are often caught by their own bait. 
{Fable 225 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE LION AND THE MOUSE 

A LION was sleeping in his lair, when a Mouse, not knowing 
where he was going, ran over the mighty beast's nose and 
awakened him. The Lion clapped his paw upon the frightened little 
creature, and was about to make an end of him in a moment, when 
the Mouse, in pitiable tones, besought him to spare one who had so 
unconsciously offended, and not stain his honourable paws with so in- 
significant a prey. The Lion smiling at his little prisoner's fright, 
generously let him go. Now it happened no long time after, that the 
Lion, while ranging the woods for his prey, fell into the toils of the 
hunters; and finding himself entangled without hope of escape, set 



teso? 13 

up a roar that filled the whole forest with its echo. The Mouse, rec- 
ognising the voice of his former preserver, ran to the spot, and with- 
out more ado set to work to nibble the knot in the cord that bound the 
Lion, and in a short time set the noble beast at liberty; thus convinc- 
ing him that kindness is seldom thrown away, and that there is no 
creature so much below another but that he may have it in his power 
to return a good office. 

(Fable 256 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE GULL AND THE KITE 

A GULL had pounced upon a fish, and in endeavouring to swal- 
low it got choked, and lay upon the deck for dead. A Kite 
who was passing by and saw him, gave him no other comfort than — 
"It serves you right: for what business have the fowls of the air to 
meddle with the fish of the sea?" 

(Fable 239 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE POMEGRANATE, THE APPLE AND THE BRAMBLE 

THE Pomegranate and the Apple had a contest on the score of 
beauty. When words ran high and the strife waxed danger- 
ous, a Bramble, thrusting his head from a neighbouring bush, cried 
out, "We have disputed long enough; let there be no more rivalry 
betwixt us." 

The most insignificant creatures are generally the most presuming. 

(Fable 385 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



14 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE TORTOISE AND THE EAGLE 

A TORTOISE, dissatisfied with his lowly life, when he beheld 
so many of the birds, his neighbours, disporting themselves in 
the clouds, and thinking that, if he could but once get up into the 
air, he could soar with the best of them, called one day upon an Eagle 
and offered him all the treasures of the Ocean if he could only teach 
him to fly. The Eagle would have declined the task, assuring him that 
the thing was not only absurd but impossible, but being further 
pressed by the entreaties and promises of the Tortoise, he at length 
consented to do for him the best he could. So taking him up to a 
great height in the air loosing his hold upon him, "Now, then!" cried 
the Eagle; but the Tortoise, before he could answer him a word, fell 
plump upon a rock, and was dashed to pieces. 
Pride shall have a fall. 

(Fable 419 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE 

A HARE jeered at a Tortoise for the slowness of his pace. But he 
laughed and said, that he would run against her and beat her 
any day she would name. "Come on," said the Hare, "you shall soon 
see what my feet are made of." So it was agreed that they should 
start at once. The Tortoise went off jogging along, without a mo- 
ment's stopping, at his usual steady pace. The Hare, treating the 
whole matter very lightly, said she would first take a little nap, and 
that she should soon overtake the Tortoise. Meanwhile the Tortoise 






jeso? 15 

plodded on, and the Hare oversleeping herself, arrived at the goal, 
only to see that the Tortoise had got in before her. 
Slow and steady wins the race. 

(Fable 420 b. Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE HEN AND THE CAT 

A CAT hearing that a Hen was laid up sick in her nest, paid her 
a visit of condolence; and creeping up to her said, "How are 
you, my dear friend? what can I do for you? what are you in want 
of? Only tell me, if there is anything in the world that I can bring 
you; but keep up your spirits, and don't be alarmed." "Thank 
you," said the Hen ; "do you be good enough to leave me, and I have 
no fear but I shall soon be well." 

Unbidden guests are often welcomest when they are gone. 

(Fable 16 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE SHEPHERD-BOY AND THE WOLF 

A SHEPHERD-BOY, who tended his flock not far from a vil- 
lage, used to amuse himself at times in crying out "Wolf! 
Wolf!" Twice or thrice his trick succeeded. The whole village 
came running out to his assistance ; when all the return they got was 
to be laughed at for their pains. At last one day the Wolf came in- 
deed. The Boy cried out in earnest. But his neighbours, supposing 
him to be at his old sport, paid no heed to his cries, and the Wolf de- 
voured the Sheep. So the Boy learned, when it was too late, that 
liars are not believed even When they tell the truth. 

(Fable 353 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



16 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE SICK STAG 

A STAG that had fallen sick, lay down on the rich herbage of a 
lawn, close to a wood-side, that she might obtain an easy 
pasturage. But so many of the beasts came to see her — for she was 
a good sort of neighbour — that one taking a little, and another a little, 
they ate up all the grass in the place. So, though recovering from 
her disease, she pined for want, and in the end lost both her substance 
and her life. 

(Fable 131 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE MOON AND HER MOTHER 

THE Moon once asked her Mother to make her a little cloak that 
would fit her well. "How" replied she, "can I make you a 
cloak to fit you, who are now a New Moon, and then a Full Moon, and 
then again neither one nor the other?" 

(Fable 389 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE ASS AND THE GRASSHOPPERS 

AN Ass hearing some Grasshoppers chirping, was delighted with 
the music, and determining, if he could, to rival them, asked 
them what it was they fed upon to make them sing so sweetly? When 
they told him that they supped upon nothing but dew, the Ass betook 
himself to the same diet, and soon died of hunger. 
One man's meat is another man's poison. 

(Fable 337 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



;esop 17 

the fox and the woodman 

A FOX, hard pressed by the hounds after a long run, came up to 
a man who was cutting wood, and begged him to afford some 
place where he might hide himself. The man showed him his own 
hut, and the Fox creeping in, hid himself in a corner. The Hunters 
presently came up, and asking the man whether he had seen the Fox, 
"No," said he, but pointed with his finger to the corner. They, how- 
ever, not understanding the hint, were off again immediately. When 
the Fox perceived that they were out of sight, he was stealing off with- 
out saying a word. But the man upbraided him, saying, "Is this the 
way you take leave of your host, without a word of thanks for your 
safety?" "A pretty host!" said the Fox, turning round upon him, 
"if you had been as honest with your fingers as you were with your 
tongue, I should not have left your roof without bidding you fare- 
well." 

There is as much malice in a wink as in a word. 

(Fable 35 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE LAMB AND THE WOLF 

A LAMB pursued by a Wolf took refuge in a temple. Upon 
this the Wolf called out to him, and said, that the priest would 
slay him if he caught him. "Be it so," said the Lamb : "it is better 
to be sacrificed to God, than to be devoured by you." 

(Fable 273 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



18 CLASSICAL FABLES 

JUPITER AND THE CAMEL 

WHEN the Camel, in days of yore, besought Jupiter to grant 
him horns, for that it was a great grief to him to see other 
animals furnished with them, while he had none; Jupiter not only re- 
fused to give him the horns he asked for, but cropped his ears short 
for his importunity. 

By asking too much, we may lose the little that we had before. 

(Fable 184 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE CRAB AND HER MOTHER 

SAID an old Crab to a young one, "Why do you walk so crooked, 
child? walk straight!" "Mother," said the young Crab, "show 
me the way, will you? and when I see you taking a straight course, I 
will try and follow." 

Example is better than precept. 

{Fable 187 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE ONE-EYED DOE 

A DOE that had but one eye used to graze near the sea, and that 
she might be the more secure from attack, kept her eye towards 
the land against the approach of the hunters, and her blind side to- 
wards the sea, whence she feared no danger. But some sailors row- 
ing by in a boat and seeing her, aimed at her from the water and shot 
her. When at her last gasp, she sighed to herself: "Ill-fated crea- 



7ES0P 19 

ture that I am ! I was safe on the land-side whence I expected to be 
attacked, but find an enemy in the sea to which I most looked for pro- 
tection." 

Our troubles often come from the quarter whence we least expect 
them. 

(Fable 126 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE LION AND THE FOX 

A FOX agreed to wait upon a Lion in the capacity of a servant. 
Each for a time performed the part belonging to his station; 
the Fox used to point out the prey, and the Lion fell upon it and 
seized it. But the Fox, beginning to think himself as good a beast 
as his master, begged to be allowed to hunt the game instead of find- 
ing it. His request was granted, but as he was in the act of making 
a descent upon a herd, the huntsman came out upon him, and he was 
himself made the prize. 

Keep to your place, and your place will keep you. 

(Fable 41 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE TRAVELLERS AND THE BEAR 

TWO friends were travelling on the same road together, when they 
met with a Bear. The one in great fear, without a thought of 
his companion, climbed up into a tree, and hid himself. The other 
seeing that he had no chance, single-handed, against the Bear, had 
nothing left but to throw himself on the ground and feign to be dead; 
for he had heard that the Bear will never touch a dead body. As he 



20 CLASSICAL FABLES 

thus lay, the Bear came up to his head, muzzling and snuffing at his 
nose, and ears, and heart, but the man immovably held his breath, and 
the beast supposing him to be dead, walked away. When the Bear 
was fairly out of sight, his companion came down out of the tree, and 
asked what it was that the Bear whispered to him, — "for," says he, 
"I observed he put his mouth very close to your ear." "Why," re- 
plied the other, "it was no great secret; he only bade me have a care 
how I kept company with those who, when they get into a difficulty, 
leave their friends in the lurch." 

(Fable 311 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE COLLIER AND THE FULLER 

A COLLIER who had more room in his house than he wanted for 
himself, proposed to a Fuller to come and take up his quarters 
with him. "Thank you," said the Fuller, "but I must decline your 
offer; for I fear that as fast as I whiten my goods you will blacken 
them again." 

There can be little liking where there is no likeness. 

(Fable 59 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE LION, THE ASS AND THE FOX HUNTING 

THE Lion, the Ass, and the Fox formed a party to go out hunting. 
They took a large booty, and when the sport was ended be- 
thought themselves of having a hearty meal. The Lion bade the Ass 
allot the spoil. So dividing it into three equal parts, the Ass begged 
his friends to make their choice; at which the Lion, in great indigna- 



jESOP 21 

tion, fell upon the ass, and tore him to pieces. He then bade the Fox 
make a division; who, gathering the whole into one great heap, re- 
served but the smallest mite for himself. "Ah! friend," says the 
Lion, "who taught you to make so equitable a division?" "I wanted 
no other lesson," replied the Fox, "than the Ass's fate." 

Better be wise by the misfortunes of others than by your own. 

(Fable 260 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE ASS AND THE LAP-DOG 

THERE was an Ass and a Lap-dog that belonged to the same mas- 
ter. The Ass was tied up in the stable, and had plenty of corn 
and hay to eat, and was as well off as Ass could be. The little Dog 
was always sporting and gambolling about, caressing and fawning 
upon his master in a thousand amusing ways, so that he became a 
great favourite, and was permitted to lie in his master's lap. The 
Ass, indeed, had enough to do; he was drawing wood all day, and had 
to take his turn at the mill at night. But while he grieved over his 
own lot, it galled him more to see the Lap-dog living in such ease and 
luxury ; so thinking that if he acted a like part to his master, he should 
fare the same, he broke one day from his halter, and rushing into the 
hall began to kick and prance about in the strangest fashion; then 
swishing his tail and mimicking the frolics of the favourite, he upset 
the table where his master was at dinner, breaking it in two and 
smashing all the crockery ; nor would he leave off till he jumped upon 
his master, and pawed him with his rough-shod feet. The servants, 
seeing their master in no little danger, thought it was now high time 
to interfere, and having released him from the Ass's caresses, they so 
belaboured the silly creature with sticks and staves, that he never got 



22 CLASSICAL FABLES 

up again; and as he breathed his last, exclaimed, "Why could not I 
have been satisfied with my natural position, without attempting, by 
tricks and grimaces, to imitate one who was but a puppy after all!" 

{Fable 331 Halm; Adapted and expanded by Thomas James.) 

THE WIND AND THE SUN 

A DISPUTE once arose between the Wind and the Sun, which 
was the stronger of the two, and they agreed to put the point 
upon this issue, that whichever soonest made a traveller take off his 
cloak, should be accounted the more powerful. The Wind began, 
and blew with all his might and main a blast, cold and fierce as a 
Thracian storm; but the stronger he blew the closer the traveller 
wrapped his cloak around him, and the tighter he grasped it with his 
hands. Then broke out the Sun: with his welcome beams he dis- 
persed the vapour and the cold; the traveller felt the genial warmth, 
and as the Sun shone brighter and brighter, he sat down, overcome 
with the heat, and cast his cloak on the ground. 

Thus the Sun was declared the conqueror; and it has ever been 
deemed that persuasion is better than force ; and that the sunshine of 
a kind and gentle manner will sooner lay open a poor man's heart than 
all the threatenings and force of blustering authority. 

(Fable 82 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE LION IN LOVE 

IT happened in days of old that a Lion fell in love with a Woodman's 
daughter; and had the folly to ask her of her father in marriage. 
The Woodman was not much pleased with the offer, and declined the 
honour of so dangerous an alliance. But upon the Lion threatening 



7ES0? 23 

him with his royal displeasure, the poor man, seeing that so formid- 
able a creature was not to be denied, hit at length upon this expedient : 
"I feel greatly flattered," said he, "with your proposal; but, noble 
sir, what great teeth you have got ! and what great claws you have got ! 
Where is the damsel that would not be frightened at such weapons as 
these? You must have your teeth drawn and your claws pared be- 
fore you can be a suitable bridegroom for my daughter." The Lion 
straightway submitted (for what will not a body do for love?) and 
then called upon the father to accept him as a son-in-law. But the 
Woodman, no longer afraid of the tamed and disarmed bully, seized 
a stout cudgel and drove the unreasonable suitor from his door. 

(Fable 249 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE DOLPHINS AND THE SPRAT 

THE Dolphins and the Whales were at war with one another, and 
while the battle was at its height, the Sprat stepped in and 
endeavoured to separate them. But one of the Dolphins cried out, 
"Let us alone, friend! We had rather perish in the contest, than 
be reconciled by you." 

(Fable 116 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE WOLVES AND THE SHEEP 

ONCE on a time, the Wolves sent an embassy to the Sheep, de- 
siring that there might be peace between them for the time to 
come. "Why," said they, "should we be for ever waging this dread- 
ful strife? Those wicked Dogs are the -cause of all; they are inces- 



24 CLASSICAL FABLES 

santly barking at us, and provoking us. Send them away, and there 
will be no longer any obstacle to our eternal friendship and peace." 
The silly Sheep listened, the Dogs were dismissed, and the flock, thus 
deprived of their best protectors, became an easy prey to their treach- 
erous enemy. 

(Fable 268 Halm; Thomas James* translation.) 

THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS 

IN former days, when all a man's limbs did not work together as 
amicably as they do now, but each had a will and a way of its own, 
the Members generally began to find fault with the Belly for spending 
art idle luxurious life, while they were wholly occupied in labouring 
for its support, and ministering to its wants and pleasures; so they en- 
tered into a conspiracy to cut off its supplies for the future. The 
Hands were no longer to carry food to the Mouth, nor the Mouth to 
receive the food, nor the Teeth to chew it. They had not long per- 
sisted in this course of starving the Belly into subjection, ere they all 
began, one by one, to fail and flag, and the whole body to pine away. 
Then the Members were convinced that the Belly also, cumbersome 
and useless as it seemed, had an important function of its own ; that 
they could no more do without it than it could do without them ; and 
that if they would have the constitution of the body in a healthy state, 
they must work together, each in his proper sphere, for the common 
good of all. 

(Fable 197 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



7ES0P 25 

HERCULES AND THE WAGGONER 

AS a Countryman was carelessly driving his waggon along a miry 
lane, his wheels stuck so deep in the clay that the horses came 
to a stand-still. Upon this the man, without making the least effort 
of his own, began to call upon Hercules to come and help him out of 
his trouble. But Hercules bade him lay his shoulder to the wheel, 
assuring him that Heaven only aided those who endeavoured to help 
themselves. 

It is in vain to expect our prayers to be heard, if we do not strive 
as well as pray. 

(Fable 81 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL 

A FOX being caught in a trap, was glad to compound for his neck 
by leaving his tail behind him; but upon coming abroad into 
the world, he began to be so sensible of the disgrace such a defect 
would bring upon him, that he almost wished he had died rather than 
come away without it. However, resolving to make the best of a bad 
matter, he called a meeting of the rest of the Foxes, and proposed that 
all should follow his example. "You have no notion," said he, "of 
the ease and comfort with which I now move about: I could never 
have believed it if I had not tried it myself; but really, when one 
comes to reason upon it, a tail is such an ugly, inconvenient, unneces- 
sary appendage, that the only wonder is that, as Foxes, we could have 
put up with it so long. I propose, therefore, my worthy brethren, 



26 CLASSICAL FABLES 

that you all profit by the experience that I am most willing to afford 
you, and that all Foxes from this day forward cut off their tails." 
Upon this one of the oldest stepped forward, and said, "I rather think, 
my friend, that you would not have advised us to part with our tails, 
if there were any chance of recovering your own." 

(Fable 46 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE FARTHING RUSHLIGHT 

A RUSHLIGHT that had grown fat and saucy with too much 
grease, boasted one evening before a large company, that it 
shone brighter than the sun, the moon, and all the stars. At that 
moment, a puff of wind came and blew it out. One who lighted it 
again said, "Shine on, friend Rushlight, and hold your tongue; the 
lights of heaven are never blown out." 

(Fable 285 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE HARES AND THE FROGS 

ONCE upon a time, the Hares, driven desperate by the many ene- 
mies that compassed them about on every side, came to the sad 
resolution that there was nothing left for them but to make away with 
themselves, one and all. Off they scudded to a lake hard by, deter- 
mined to drown themselves as the most miserable of creatures. A 
shoal of Frogs seated upon the bank, frightened at the approach of 
the Hares, leaped in the greatest alarm and confusion into the water. 
"Nay, then, my friends," said a Hare that was foremost, "our case is 



____ /ESOP 27 

not so desperate yet; for here are other poor creatures more faint- 
hearted than ourselves." 

Take not comfort, but courage, from another's distress; and be 
sure, whatever your misery, that there are some whose lot you would 
not exchange with your own. 

(Fable 237 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE LIONESS 

THERE was a great stir among all the Beasts, which could boast 
of the largest family. So they came to the Lioness. "And 
how many," said they, "do you have at a birth?" "One," said she, 
grimly; "but that one is a Lion." 
Quality comes before quantity. 

(Fable 240 b. Halm; Thomas James* translation.) 

THE ANGLER AND THE LITTLE FISH 

AN Angler, who gained his livelihood by fishing, after a long day's 
toil, caught nothing but one little fish. "Spare me," said the 
little creature, "I beseech you; so small as I am, I shall make you but 
a sorry meal. I am not come to my full size yet; throw me back 
into the river for the present, and then, when I am grown bigger and 
worth eating, you may come here and catch me again." "No, no," 
said the man; "I have got you now, but if you once get back into the 
water, your tune will be, 'Catch me, if you can.' " 
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. 

(Fable 28 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



28 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE FARMER AND HIS SONS 

A FARMER being on the point of death, and wishing to show 
his sons the way to success in farming, called them to him, and 
said, "My children, I am now departing from this life, but all I have 
to leave you, you will find in the vineyard." The sons, supposing 
that he referred to some hidden treasure, as soon as the old man died, 
set to work with their spades and ploughs and every implement that 
was at hand, and turned up the soil over and over again. They 
found indeed no treasure; but the vines, strengthened and improved 
by this thorough tillage, yielded a finer vintage than they had ever 
yielded before, and more than repaid the young husbandmen for all 
their trouble. So truly is industry in itself a treasure. 

(Fable 98 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE HUSBANDMAN AND THE STORK 

A HUSBANDMAN fixed a net in his field to catch the Cranes that 
came to feed on his new-sown corn. When he went to examine 
the net, and see what Cranes he had taken, a Stork was found among 
the number. "Spare me," cried the Stork, "and let me go. I am 
no Crane. I have eaten none of your corn. I am a poor innocent 
Stork, as you may see — the most pious and dutiful of birds. I honour 
and succour my father and mother. I — " But the Husbandman 
cut him short. "All this may be true enough, I dare say, but this I 



,ESOP 29 

know, that I have caught you with those who were destroying my 
crops, and you must suffer with the company in which you are taken." 
Ill company proves more than fair possessions. 

(Fable 100 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE OLD WOMAN AND THE PHYSICIAN 

AN old Woman, who had become blind, called in a Physician, and 
promised him, before witnesses, that if he would restore her 
eyesight, she would give him a most handsome reward, but that if 
he did not cure her, and her malady remained, he should receive 
nothing. The agreement being concluded, the Physician tampered 
from time to time with the old lady's eyes, and meanwhile, bit by bit, 
carried off her goods. At length after a time he set about the task 
in earnest and cured her, and thereupon asked for the stipulated fee. 
But the old Woman, on recovering her sight, saw none of her goods 
left in the house. When, therefore, the Physician importuned her 
in vain for payment, and she continually put him off with excuses, 
he summoned her at last before the Judges. Being now called upon 
for her defence, she said, "What this man says is true enough; I 
promised to give him his fee if my sight were restored, and nothing 
if my eyes continued bad. Now then he says that I am cured, but I 
say just the contrary ; for when my malady first came on, I could see 
all sorts of furniture and goods in my house ; but now, when he says 
he has restored my sight, I cannot see one jot of either." 
He who plays a trick must be prepared to take a joke. 

(Fable 107 b. Halm; Thomas James'' translation.) 



30 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE SWALLOW AND THE RAVEN 

THE Swallow and the Raven contended which was the finer bird. 
The Raven ended by saying, "Your beauty is but for the sum- 
mer, but mine will stand many winters." 
Durability is better than show. 

{Fable 415 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE MONKEY AND THE DOLPHIN 

IT was an old custom among sailors to carry about with them little 
Maltese lap-dogs, or Monkeys, to amuse them on the voyage; so it 
happened once upon a time that a man took with him a Monkey as a 
companion on board ship. While they were off Sunium, the famous 
promontory of Attica, the ship was caught in a violent storm, and 
being capsized, all on board were thrown in the water, and had to 
swim for land as best they could. And among them was the Monkey. 
A Dolphin saw him struggling, and, taking him for a man went to his 
assistance and bore him on his back straight for shore. When they 
had just got opposite Piraeus, the harbour of Athens, the Dolphin 
asked the Monkey if he were an Athenian. "Yes," answered the 
Monkey, "assuredly, and of one of the first families in the place." 
"Then of course, you know Piraeus," said the Dolphin. "Oh, yes," 
said the Monkey, who thought it was the name of some distinguished 
citizen, "He is one of my most intimate friends." Indignant at so 
gross a deceit and falsehood, the Dolphin dived to the bottom and left 
the lying Monkey to his fate. 

(Fable 363 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 




'A DOLPHIN, TAKING HIM FOR A MAN, WENT TO HIS ASSISTANCE." 

—Page 30 



mso? 31 

the wolf and the sheep 

A WOLF that had been bitten by a dog, and was in a very sad case, 
being unable to move, called to a Sheep, that was passing by, 
and begged her to fetch some water from the neighbouring stream. 
"For if you," said he, "will bring me drink, I will find meat myself." 
"Yes," said the Sheep, "I make no doubt of it; for, if I come near 
enough to give you the drink, you will soon make mince-meat of me." 

(Fable 284 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE BUNDLE OF STICKS 

A HUSBANDMAN who had a quarrelsome family, after having 
tried in vain to reconcile them by words, thought he might 
more readily prevail by an example. So he called his sons and bade 
them lay a bundle of sticks before him. Then having tied them into 
a faggot, he told the lads, one after the other, to take it up and break 
it. They all tried, but tried in vain. Then untying the faggot, he 
gave them the sticks to break one by one. This they did with the 
greatest ease. Then said the father, "Thus you, my sons, as long 
as you remain united, are a match for all your enemies ; but differ and 
separate, and you are undone." 
Union is strength. 

{Fable 103 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



32 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE WIDOW AND THE SHEEP 

THERE was a certain Widow who had an only Sheep ; and, wish- 
ing to make the most of his wool, she sheared him so closely 
that she cut his skin as well as his fleece. The Sheep, smarting under 
this treatment, cried out — "Why do you torture me thus? What 
will my blood add to the weight of the wool? If you want my flesh, 
Dame, send for the Butcher, who will put me out of my misery at 
once; but if you want my fleece, send for the Shearer, who will clip my 
wool without drawing my blood." 

Middle measures are often but middling measures. 

(Fable 382 b. Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE MAN AND THE LION 

ONCE upon a time a Man and a Lion were journeying together, 
and came at length to high words about which was the braver 
and stronger creature of the two. As the dispute waxed warmer they 
happened to pass by, on the road-side, a statue of a man strangling a 
lion. "See there," said the Man; "what more undeniable proof can 
you have of our superiority than that?" "That," said the Lion, "is 
your version of the story; let us be the sculptors, and for one lion 
under the feet of a man, you shall have twenty men under the paw of 
a lion." 

Men are but sorry witnesses in their own cause. 

[Fable 63 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 






^SOP 33 

THE MAN BITTEN BY A DOG 

A MAN who had been bitten by a Dog, was going about asking 
who would cure him. One that met him said, "Sir, if you 
would be cured, take a bit of bread and dip it in the blood of the 
wound, and give it to the dog that bit you." The Man smiled, and 
said, "If I were to follow your advice, I should be bitten by all the 
dogs in the city." 

He who proclaims himself ready to buy up his enemies will never 
want a supply of them. 

(Fable 221 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE HORSE AND THE STAG 

AHORSE had the whole range of a meadow to himself; but a 
Stag coming and damaging the pasture, the Horse, anxious to 
have his revenge, asked a Man if he could not assist him in punishing 
the Stag. "Yes," said the Man, "Only let me put a bit in your 
mouth, and get upon your back, and I will find the weapons." The 
Horse agreed, and the Man mounted accordingly; but instead of get- 
ting his revenge, the Horse has been from that time forward the slave 
of Man. 

Revenge is too dearly purchased at the price of liberty. 

(Fable 175 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



34 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE BIRDCATCHER AND THE LARK 

ABIRDCATCHER was setting springs upon a common, when a 
Lark, who saw him at work, asked him from a distance what he 
was doing. "I am establishing a colony," said he, "and laying the 
foundations of my first city." Upon that, the man retired to a little 
distance and hid himself. The Lark, believing his assertion, soon 
flew down to the place, and swallowing the bait, found himself en- 
tangled in the noose ; whereupon the Birdcatcher straightway coming 
up to him, made him his prisoner. "A pretty fellow are you!" said 
the Lark; "if these are the colonies you found, you will not find many 
emigrants." 

(Fable 340 Halm; Thomas James* translation.) 

THE MISCHIEVOUS DOG 

THERE was a Dog so wild and mischievous, that his master was 
obliged to fasten a heavy clog about his neck, to prevent him 
biting and worrying his neighbours. The Dog, priding himself upon 
his badge, paraded in the market-place, shaking his clog to attract 
attention. But a sly friend whispered to him, "The less noise you 
make, the better; your mark of distinction is no reward of merit, but a 
badge of disgrace!" 

Men often mistake notoriety for fame, and would rather be re- 
marked for their vices or follies than not be noticed at all. 

(Fable 224 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



7ES0? 35 

THE TRAVELLERS AND THE PLANE-TREE 

SOME Travellers, on a hot day in summer, oppressed with the 
noontide sun, perceiving a Plane-tree near at hand, made straight 
for it, and throwing themselves on the ground rested under its shade. 
Looking up, as they lay, towards the tree, they said one to another, 
"What a useless tree to man is this barren Plane!" But the Plane- 
tree answered them, — "Ungrateful creatures! at the very moment 
that you are enjoying benefit from me, you rail at me as being good 
for nothing." 

Ingratitude is as blind as it is base. 

{Fable 313 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

JUPITER, NEPTUNE, MINERVA AND MOMUS 

JUPITER, Neptune, and Minerva (as the story goes) once con- 
tended which of them should make the most perfect thing. 
Jupiter made a Man ; Pallas made a House ; and Neptune made a Bull ; 
and Momus — for he had not yet been turned out of Olympus — was 
chosen judge to decide which production had the greatest merit. He 
began by finding fault with the Bull, because his horns were not 
below his eyes, so that he might see when he butted with them. Next 
he found fault with the Man, because there was no window in his 
breast that all might see his inward thoughts and feelings. And 
lastly he found fault with the House, because it had no wheels to 
enable its inhabitants to remove from bad neighbours. But Jupiter 
forthwith drove the critic out of heaven, telling him that a fault- 
finder could never be pleased, and that it was time to criticise the 
works of others when he had done some good thing himself. 

(Fable 155 b. Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



36 CLASSICAL FABLES 

MERCURY AND THE WOODMAN 

A WOODMAN was felling a tree on the bank of a river, and by 
chance let slip his axe into the water, when it immediately 
sunk to the bottom. Being thereupon in great distress, he sat down 
by the side of the stream and lamented his loss bitterly. But Mer- 
cury, whose river it was, taking compassion on him, appeared at the 
instant before him; and hearing from him the cause of his sorrow, 
dived to the bottom of the river, and bringing up a golden axe, asked 
the Woodman if that were his. Upon the man's denying it, Mercury 
dived a second time, and brought up one of silver. Again the man 
denied that it was his. So diving a third time, he produced the iden- 
tical axe which the man had lost. "That is mine!" said the Wood- 
man, delighted to have recovered his own ; and so pleased was Mercury 
with the fellow's truth and honesty, that he at once made him a 
present of the other two. 

The man goes to his companions, and giving them an account of 
what had happened to him, one of them determined to try whether 
he might not have the like good fortune. So repairing to the same 
place, as if for the purpose of cutting wood, he let slip his axe on 
purpose into the river, and then sat down on the bank, and made a 
great show of weeping. Mercury appeared as before, and hearing 
from him that his tears were caused by the loss of his axe, dived once 
more into the stream; and bringing up a golden axe, asked him if 
that was the axe he had lost. "Aye, surely," said the man, eagerly; 
and he was about to grasp the treasure, when Mercury, to punish his 



7ES0? 37 

impudence and lying, not only refused to give him that, but would 
not so much as restore him his own axe again. 
Honesty is the best policy. 

(Fable 308 Halm; Thomas James* translation.) 

THE GEESE AND THE CRANES 

SOME Geese and some Cranes fed together in the same field. One 
day the sportsmen came suddenly down upon them. The 
Cranes, being light of body, flew off in a moment and escaped; but 
the Geese, weighed down by their fat, were all taken. 

In civil commotions, they fare best who have least to fetter them. 

(Fable 421 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

JUPITER AND THE BEE 

IN days of yore, when the world was young, a Bee that had stored 
her combs with a bountiful harvest, flew up to heaven to present 
as a sacrifice an offering of honey. Jupiter was so delighted with 
the gift, that he promised to give her whatsoever she should ask for. 
She therefore besought him, saying, "0 glorious Jove, maker and 
master of me, poor Bee, give thy servant a sting, that when any one 
approaches my hive to take the honey, I will kill him on the spot." 
Jupiter, out of love to man, was angry at her request, and thus an- 
swered her: "Your prayer shall not be granted in the way you wish, 
but the sting which you ask for you shall have; and when any one 
comes to take away your honey and you attack him, the wound shall 



38 CLASSICAL FABLES 

be fatal not to him but to you, for your life shall go with your sting." 
He that prays harm for his neighbour, begs a curse upon himself. 

(Fable 287 b. Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE GOATHERD AND THE GOATS 

IT was a stormy day, and the snow was falling fast, when a Goatherd 
drove his Goats, all white with snow, into a desert cave for shelter. 
There he found that a herd of Wild-goats, more numerous and larger 
than his own, had already taken possession. So, thinking to secure 
them all, he left his own Goats to take care of themselves, and threw 
the branches which he had brought for them to the Wild-goats to 
browse on. But when the weather cleared up, he found his own 
Goats had perished from hunger, while the Wild-goats were off and 
away to the hills and woods. So the Goatherd returned a laughing- 
stock to his neighbours, having failed to gain the Wild-goats, and hav- 
ing lost his own. 

They who neglect their old friends for the sake of new, are rightly 
served if they lose both. 

( Fable 12 b. Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE MARRIAGE OF THE SUN 

ONCE upon a time, in a very warm summer, it was currently 
reported that the Sun was going to be married. All the birds 
and beasts were delighted at the thought; and the Frogs, above all 
others, were determined to have a good holiday. But an old Toad 
put a stop to their festivities by observing that it was an occasion for 



^ESOP 39 

sorrow rather than joy. "For if," said he, "the Sun of himself now 
parches up the marshes so that we can hardly bear it, what will be- 
come of us if he should have a dozen little Suns in addition?" 

(Fable 77 b. Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE GNAT AND THE BULL 

A GNAT that had been buzzing about the head of a Bull, at length 
settling himself down upon his horn, begged his pardon for in- 
commoding him; "but if," says he, "my weight at all inconveniences 
you, pray say so and I will be off in a moment." "Oh, never trouble 
your head about that," says the Bull, "for 'tis all one to me whether 
you go or stay; and, to say the truth, I did not know you were there." 
The smaller the Mind the greater the Conceit. 

(Fable 235 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE EAGLE AND THE ARROW 

A BOWMAN took aim at an Eagle and hit him in the heart. As 
the Eagle turned his head in the agonies of death, he saw that 
the Arrow was winged with his own feathers. "How much sharper," 
said he, "are the wounds made by weapons which we ourselves have 
supplied!" 

(Fable 4 b. Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



40 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE DOG IN THE MANGER 

A DOG made his bed in a Manger, and lay snarling and growling 
to keep the horses from their provender. "See," said one of 
them, "what a miserable cur! who neither can eat corn himself, nor 
will allow those to eat it who can." 

(Fable 228 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE LION, THE BEAR AND THE FOX 

A LION and a Bear found the carcass of a Fawn, and had a long 
fight for it. The contest was so hard and even, that, at last, 
both of them half-blinded and half-dead lay panting on the ground, 
without strength to touch the prize that was stretched between them. 
A Fox coming by at the time, and seeing their helpless condition, 
stepped in between the combatants and carried off the booty. "Poor 
creatures that we are," cried they, "who have been exhausting all our 
strength and injuring one another, merely to give a rogue a dinner!" 

(Fable 247 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE GOOSE WITH THE GOLDEN EGGS 

A CERTAIN man had the good fortune to possess a Goose that 
laid him a Golden Egg every day. But dissatisfied with so slow 
an income, and thinking to seize the whole treasure at once he killed 
the Goose; and cutting her open, found her — just what any other 
goose would be ! 

Much wants more and loses all. 

(Fable 343 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



;esop 41 

the lion and the dolphin 

A LION was roaring on the sea-shore, when, seeing a Dolphin bask- 
ing on the surface of the water, he invited him to form an 
alliance with him, "for," said he, "as I am the king of the beasts, 
and you are the king of the fishes, we ought to be the greatest friends 
and allies possible." The Dolphin gladly assented; and the Lion, 
not long after, having a fight with a wild bull, called upon the Dol- 
phin for his promised support. But when he, though ready to assist 
him. found himself unable to come out of the sea for the purpose, the 
Lion accused him of having betrayed him. "Do not blame me," said 
the Dolphin in reply, "but blame my nature, which however powerful 
at sea, is altogether helpless on land." 

In choosing allies we must look to their power as well as to their 
will to aid us. 

(Fable 251 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE FOX AND THE HEDGEHOG 

A FOX, while crossing over a river, was driven by the stream into 
a narrow gorge, and lay there for a long time unable to get out, 
covered with myriads of horse-flies that had fastened themselves upon 
him. A Hedgehog, who was wandering in that direction, saw him, 
and, taking compassion on him, asked him if he should drive away the 
flies that were so tormenting him. But the Fox begged him to do 
nothing of the sort. "Why not?" asked the Hedgehog. "Because," 
replied the Fox, "these flies that are upon me now, are already full, 



42 CLASSICAL FABLES 

and draw but little blood, but should you remove them, a swarm of 
fresh and hungry ones will come, who will not leave a drop of blood 
in my body." 

When we throw off rulers or dependents, who have already made 
the most of us, we do but, for the most part, lay ourselves open to 
others who will make us bleed yet more freely. 

(Fable 36 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER 

A TRUMPETER being taken prisoner in a battle, begged hard for 
quarter. "Spare me, good sirs, I beseech you," said he, "and 
put me not to death without cause, for I have killed no one myself, 
nor have I any arms but this trumpet only." "For that very reason," 
said they who had seized him, "shall you the sooner die, for without 
the spirit to fight, yourself, you stir up others to warfare and blood- 
shed." 

He who incites to strife is worse than he who takes part in it. 

(Fable 386 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE FIR-TREE AND THE BRAMBLE 

A FIR-TREE was one day boasting itself to a Bramble. "You are 
of no use at all; but how could barns and houses be built 
without me?" "Good sir," said the Bramble, "when the woodmen 
come here with their axes and saws, what would you give to be a 
Bramble and not a Fir?" 

A humble lot in security is better than the dangers that encompass 
the high and haughty. 

(Fable 125 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



^ESOP 43 

THE FISHERMAN 

A FISHERMAN went to a river to fish ; and when he had laid his 
nets across the stream, he tied a stone to a long cord, and beat 
the water on either side of the net, to drive the fish into the meshes. 
One of the neighbours who lived thereabout seeing him thus em- 
ployed, went up to him and blamed him exceedingly for disturbing 
the water, and making it so muddy as to be unfit to drink. "I am 
sorry," said the Fisherman, "that this does not please you, but it is 
by thus troubling the waters that I gain my living." 
(Fable 25 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE ASS AND HIS MASTERS 

AN ass, that belonged to a Gardener, and had little to eat and 
much to do, besought Jupiter to release him from the Gar- 
dener's service, and give him another master. Jupiter, angry at his 
discontent, made him over to a Potter. He had now heavier burdens 
to carry than before, and again appealed to Jupiter to relieve him, 
who accordingly contrived that he should be sold to a Tanner. The 
Ass having now fallen into worse hands than ever, and daily observing 
how his master was employed, exclaimed with a groan, "Alas, wretch 
that I am! it had been better for me to have remained content with 
my former masters, for now I see that my present owner not only 
works me harder while living, but will not even spare my hide when 
I am dead!" 

He that is discontented in one place will seldom be happy in 

another. 

(Fable 329 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



44 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE DOCTOR AND HIS PATIENT 

A DOCTOR had been for some time attending upon a sick Man, 
who, however, died under his hands. At the funeral the Doc- 
tor went about among the relations, saying, "Our poor friend, if he 
had only refrained from wine, and attended to his inside, and used 
proper means, would not have been lying there." One of the mourn- 
ers answered him, "My good sir, it is of no use your saying this now; 
you ought to have prescribed these things when your Patient was 
alive to take them." 

The best advice may come too late. 

(Fable 169 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE TWO POTS 

TWO Pots, one of earthenware, the other of brass, were carried 
down a river in a flood. The Brazen Pot begged his companion 
to keep by his side, and he would protect him. "Thank you for 
your offer," said the Earthen Pot, "but that is just what I am afraid 
of; if you will only keep at a distance, I may float down in safety; 
but should we come in contact, I am sure to be the sufferer." 

Avoid too powerful neighbours; for, should there be a collision, the 
weakest goes to the wall. 

(Fable 422 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 






;esop 45 

THE LION AND THE GOAT 

ON a summer's day, when everything was suffering from extreme 
heat, a Lion and a Goat came at the same time to quench their 
thirst at a small fountain. They at once fell to quarrelling which 
should first drink of the water, till at length it seemed that each was 
determined to resist the other even to death. But, ceasing from the 
strife for a moment, to recover breath, they saw a flock of vultures 
hovering over them, only waiting to pounce upon whichever of them 
should fall. Whereupon they instantly made up their quarrel, agree- 
ing that it was far better for them both to become friends, than to 
furnish food for the crows and vultures. 

(Fable 253 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE WOLF AND THE SHEPHERD 

A WOLF had long hung about a flock of sheep, and had done them 
no harm. The Shepherd, however, had his suspicions, and 
for a while was always on the look-out against him as an avowed 
enemy. But when the Wolf continued for a long time following in 
the train of his flock without the least attempt to annoy them, he 
began to look upon him more as a friend than a foe ; and having one 
day occasion to go into the city, he intrusted the sheep to his care. 
The Wolf no sooner saw his opportunity than he forthwith fell upon 
the sheep and worried them; and the Shepherd, on his return, seeing 



46 CLASSICAL FABLES 

his flock destroyed, exclaimed, "Fool that I am! yet I deserved no less 
for trusting my Sheep with a Wolf ! " 

There is more danger from a pretended friend than from an open 
enemy. 

(Fable 283 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE TRAVELLERS AND THE HATCHET 

TWO men were travelling along the same road, when one of them 
picking up a hatchet cries, "See what I have found!" "Do not 
say /," says the other, "but we have found." After a while, up came 
the men who had lost the hatchet, and charged the man who had it 
with the theft. "Alas," says he to his companion, "we are undone!" 
"Do not say we," replies the other, "but / am undone; for he that 
will not allow his friend to share the prize, must not expect him to 
share the danger." 

(Fable 309 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE ASS, THE FOX AND THE LION 

AN Ass and a Fox having made a compact alliance, went out into 
the fields to hunt. They met a Lion on the way. The Fox 
seeing the impending danger, made up to the Lion, and whispered 
that he would betray the Ass into his power, if he would promise to 
bear him harmless. The Lion having agreed to do so, the Fox con- 
trived to lead the Ass into a snare. The Lion no sooner saw the 
Ass secured, than he fell at once upon the Fox, reserving the other 
for his next meal. 

(Fable 326 Halm; Thomas James translation.) 



^SOP 47 

THE LION AND ASS HUNTING 

A LION and an Ass made an agreement to go out hunting together. 
By-and-by they came to a cave, where many wild goats abode. 
The Lion took up his station at the mouth of the cave, and the Ass, 
going within, kicked and brayed and made a mighty fuss to frighten 
them out. When the Lion had caught very many of them, the Ass 
came out and asked him if he had not made a noble fight, and routed 
the goats properly. "Yes, indeed," said the Lion; "and I assure 
you, you would have frightened me too, if I had not known you to be 
an Ass." 

When braggarts are admitted into the company of their betters, 
it is only to be made use of and be laughed at. 

(Fable 259 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE ASS AND HIS DRIVER 

AN Ass that was being driven along the road by his Master, started 
on ahead, and, leaving the beaten track, made as fast as he 
could for the edge of a precipice. When he was just on the point of 
falling over, his Master ran up, and, seizing him by the tail, en- 
deavoured to pull him back; but the Ass resisting and pulling the 
contrary way, the man let go his hold, saying, "Well, Jack, if you 
will be master, I cannot help it. A wilful beast must go his own 
way." 

{Fable 335 Halm; Thomas- James' translation.) 



48 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE MICE AND THE WEASELS 

THE Mice and Weasels had long been at war with each other, and 
the Mice being worsted in battle, at length agreed at a meeting, 
solemnly called for the occasion, that their defeat was attributable 
to nothing but their want of discipline, and they determined accord- 
ingly to elect regular Commanders for the time to come. So they 
chose those whose valour and prowess most recommended them to 
the important post. The new Commanders, proud of their position, 
and desirous of being as conspicuous as possible, bound horns upon 
their foreheads as a sort of crest and mark of distinction. Not long 
after a battle ensued. The Mice, as before, were soon put to flight; 
the common herd escaped into their holes, but the Commanders, not 
being able to get in from the length of their horns, were every one 
caught and devoured. 

There is no distinction without its accompanying danger. 

(Fable 291 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE HART AND THE VINE 

A HART, pursued by hunters, concealed himself among the 
branches of a Vine. The hunters passed by without discovering 
him, and when he thought that all was safe, he began browsing upon 
the leaves that had concealed him. But one of the hunters, attracted 
by the rustling, turned round, and guessing that their prey was there, 
shot into the bush and killed him. As he was dying, he groaned out 
these words: "I suffer justly for my ingratitude, who could not for- 
bear injuring the Vine that had protected me in time of danger." 

(Fable 127 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



7ES0? 49 

THE FARMER AND HIS TWO DAUGHTERS 

A MAN who had two daughters married one to a Gardener, the other 
to a Potter. After a while he paid a visit to the Gardener's, 
and asked his daughter how she was, and how it fared with her. 
"Excellently well," said she; "we have everything that we want; 
I have but one prayer, that we may have a heavy storm of rain 
to water our plants." Off he set to the Potter's, and asked his other 
daughter how matters went with her. "There is not a thing we 
want," she replied; "and I only hope this fine weather and hot sun 
may continue, to bake our tiles." "Alack," said the Father, "if you 
wish for fine weather, and your sister for rain, which am I to pray 
for myself?" 

(Fable 166 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE HORSE AND THE LOADED ASS 

A MAN who kept a Horse and an Ass was wont in his journeys to 
spare the Horse, and put all the burden upon the Ass's back. 
The Ass, who had been some while ailing, besought the Horse one day 
to relieve him of part of his load; "For if," said he, "you would take 
a fair portion, I shall soon get well again ; but if you refuse to help 
me, this weight will kill me." The Horse, however, bade the Ass 
get on, and not trouble him with his complaints. The Ass jogged 
on in silence, but presently, overcome with the weight of his burden, 
dropped down dead, as he had foretold. Upon this, the master com- 
ing up, unloosed the load from the dead Ass, and putting it upon the 



50 CLASSICAL FABLES 

Horse's back, made him carry the Ass's carcase in addition. "Alas, 
for my ill nature!" said the Horse; "by refusing to bear my just por- 
tion of the load, I have now to carry the whole of it, with a dead weight 
into the bargain." 

A disobliging temper carries its own punishment along with it. 

(Fable 177 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE SICK LION 

A LION, no longer able, from the weakness of old age, to hunt for 
his prey, laid himself up in his den, and, breathing with great 
difficulty, and speaking with a low voice, gave out that he was very ill 
indeed. The report soon spread among the beasts, and there was 
great lamentation for the sick Lion. One after the other came to see 
him; but, catching them thus alone, and in his own den, the Lion 
made an easy prey of them, and grew fat upon his diet. The Fox, 
suspecting the truth of the matter, came at length to make his visit 
of inquiry, and standing at some distance, asked his Majesty how he 
did. "Ah, my dearest friend," said the Lion, "is it you? Why do 
you stand so far from me? Come, sweet friend, and pour a word of 
consolation in the poor Lion's ear, who has but a short time to live." 
"Bless you!" said the Fox, "but excuse me if I cannot stay; for, to 
tell the truth, I feel quite uneasy at the mark of the footsteps that I 
see here, all pointing towards your den, and none returning out- 
wards." 

Affairs are easier of entrance than of exit; and it is but common 
prudence to see our way out before we venture in. 

(Fable 246 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



^:sop 51 

the eagle and the jackdaw 

AN Eagle made a swoop from a high rock, and carried off a lamb. 
A Jackdaw, who saw the exploit, thinking that he could do the 
like, bore down with all the force he could muster upon a ram, in- 
tending to bear him off as a prize. But his claws becoming entangled 
in the wool, he made such a fluttering in his efforts to escape, that the 
shepherd, seeing through the whole matter, came up and caught him, 
and having clipped his wings, carried him home to his children at 
nightfall. "What bird is this, father, that you have brought us?" 
exclaimed the children. "Why," said he, "if you ask himself, he 
will tell you that he is an Eagle ; but if you will take my word for it, 
I know him to be but a Jackdaw." 

(Fable 8 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE THIRSTY PIGEON 

A PIGEON severely pressed by thirst, seeing a glass of water 
painted upon a sign, supposed it to be real; so dashing down 
at it with all her might, she struck against the board, and, breaking 
her wing, fell helpless to the ground, where she was quickly captured 
by one of the passers-by. 

Great haste is not always good speed. 

(Fable 357 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



52 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE HEIFER AND THE OX 

A HEIFER that ran wild in the fields and had never felt the yoke, 
upbraided an Ox at plough for submitting to such labour and 
drudgery. The Ox said nothing, but went on with his work. Not 
long after, there was a great festival. The Ox got his holiday: but 
the Heifer was led off to be sacrificed at the altar. "If this be the end 
of your idleness," said the Ox, "I think that my work is better than 
your play. I had rather my neck felt the yoke than the axe." 

(Fable 113 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE BALD KNIGHT 

A CERTAIN Knight growing old, his hair fell off, and he became 
bald; to hide which imperfection, he wore a periwig. But as 
he was riding out with some others a-hunting a sudden gust of wind 
blew off the periwig, and exposed his bald pate. The company could 
not forbear laughing at the accident; and he himself laughed as loud 
as anybody, saying, "How was it to be expected that I should keep 
strange hair upon my head, when my own would not stay there?" 

(Fable 410 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE FOX AND THE STORK 

A FOX one day invited a Stork to dinner, and being disposed to 
divert himself at the expense of his guest, provided nothing 
for the entertainment but some thin soup in a shallow dish. This the 
Fox lapped up very readily, while the Stork, unable to gain a mouthful 
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she began. The Fox meanwhile professed his regret at seeing her 
eat so sparingly, and feared that the dish was not seasoned to her 
mind. The Stork said little, but begged that the Fox would do her 
the honour of returning her visit; and accordingly he agreed to dine 
with her on the following day. He arrived true to his appointment, 
and the dinner was ordered forthwith; but when it was served up, he 
found to his dismay that it was contained in a narrow-necked vessel, 
down which the Stork readily thrust her long neck and bill, while he 
was obliged to content himself with licking the neck of the jar. 
Unable to satisfy his hunger, he retired with as good a grace as he 
could, observing that he could hardly find fault with his entertainer, 
who had only paid him back in his own coin. 

(Fable 34 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE FALCONER AND THE PARTRIDGE 

A FALCONER having taken a Partridge in his net, the bird cried 
out sorrowfully, "Let me go, good Master Falconer, and I 
promise you I will decoy other Partridges into your net." "No," 
said the man, "whatever I might have done, I am determined now 
not to spare you; for there is no death too bad for him who is ready 
to betray his friends." 

(Fable 356 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



THE BULL AND THE GOAT 

A BULL being pursued by a Lion, fled into a cave where a wild 
Goat had taken up his abode. The Goat upon this began 
molesting him and butting at him with his horns. "Don't suppose," 



54 CLASSICAL FABLES 

said the Bull, "if I suffer this now, it is you I am afraid of. Let the 
Lion be once out of sight, and I will soon show you the difference 
between a Bull and a Goat." 

Mean people take advantage of their neighbours' difficulties to 
annoy them; but the time will come when they will repent them of 
their insolence. 

(Fable 396 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE HUSBANDMAN AND THE SEA 

A HUSBANDMAN seeing a ship full of sailors tossed about up 
and down upon the billows, cried out, "0 Sea! deceitful and 
pitiless element, that destroyest all who venture upon thee!" The 
Sea heard him, and assuming a woman's voice replied, "Do not re- 
proach me; I am not the cause of this disturbance, but the Winds, 
that when they fall upon me will give no repose. But should you 
sail over me when they are away, you will say that I am milder and 
more tractable than your own mother earth." 

(Fable 94 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE JACKASS IN OFFICE 

AN Ass carrying an Image in a religious procession, was driven 
through a town, and all the people who passed by made a low 
reverence. Upon this, the Ass supposing that they intended this 
worship for himself, was mightily puffed up, and would not budge 



;ESOP 55 

another step. But the driver soon laid the stick across his back, 
saying at the same time, "You silly dolt ! it is not you that they rever- 
ence, but the Image which you carry." 

Fools take to themselves the respect that is given to their office. 

(Fable 324 Halm; Thomas lames' translation.) 

THE WOLF AND THE LION 

ONE day a Wolf had seized a sheep from a fold, and was carrying 
it home to his own den, when he met a Lion, who straightway 
laid hold of the sheep and bore it away. The Wolf, standing at 
a distance, cried out, that it was a great shame, and that the Lion 
had robbed him of his own. The Lion laughed, and said, "I suppose, 
then, that it was your good friend the shepherd who gave it to you." 

(Fable 279 Halm; Thomas lames' translation.) 

THE HOUND AND THE HARE 

A HOUND after long chasing a Hare at length came up to her, and 
kept first biting and then licking her. The Hare, not knowing 
what to make of him, said: "If you are a friend, why do you bite me? 
— but if a foe, why caress me?" 

A doubtful friend is worse than a certain enemy. Let a man be 
one thing or the other, and we then know how to meet him. 

{Fable 229 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE KID AND THE WOLF 

A KID that had strayed from the herd was pursued by a Wolf. 
When she saw all other hope of escape was cut off, she turned 
round to the Wolf, and said, "I must allow indeed that I am your 



56 CLASSICAL FABLES 

victim, but as my life is now but short, let it be a merry one. Do you 
pipe for a while, and I will dance." While the Wolf was piping and 
the Kid was dancing, the Dogs hearing the music ran up to see what 
was going on, and the Wolf was glad to take himself off as fast as his 
legs would carry him. 

He who steps out of his way to play the fool, must not wonder if he 
misses the prize. 

(Fable 134 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE QUACK FROG 

A FROG emerging from the mud of a swamp, proclaimed to all 
the world that he was come to cure all diseases. "Here!" he 
cried, "come and see a doctor, the proprietor of medicines such as 
man never heard of before; no, not ^sculapius himself, Jove's court- 
physician!" "And how," said the Fox, "dare you set up to heal 
others, who are not able to cure your own limping gait, and blotched 
and wrinkled skin?" 

(Fable 78 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE ANT AND THE DOVE 

AN Ant went to a fountain to quench his thirst, and tumbling in, 
was almost drowned. But a Dove that happened to be sitting 
on a neighbouring tree saw the Ant's danger, and plucking off a leaf, 
let it drop into the water before him, and the Ant mounting upon it, 
was presently wafted safe ashore. Just at that time, a Fowler was 
spreading his net, and was in the act of ensnaring the Dove, when the 



7ES0P 57 

Ant, perceiving his object, bit his heel. The start which the man 
gave made him drop his net, and the Dove, aroused to a sense of 
her danger, flew safe away. 

One good turn deserves another. 

(Fable 296 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN 

AN Ass having put on a Lion's skin, roamed about, frightening 
all the silly animals he met with, and, seeing a Fox, he tried 
to alarm him also. But Reynard, having heard his voice, said, "Well, 
to be sure ! and I should have been frightened too, if I had not heard 
you bray/' 

(Fable 336 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE GOAT AND THE GOATHERD 

A GOAT had strayed from the herd, and the Goatherd was trying 
all he could to bring him back to his companions. When by 
calling and whistling he could make no impression on him, at last, 
taking up a stone, he struck the Goat on the horn and broke it. 
Alarmed at what he had done, he besought the Goat not to tell his 
master; but he replied, "0 most foolish of Goatherds! my horn will 
tell the story, though I should not utter a word." 
Facts speak plainer than words. 

(Fable 17 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



58 CLASSICAL FABLES 



THE BOY BATHING 

A BOY was bathing in a river, and, getting out of his depth, was 
on the point of sinking, when he saw a wayfarer coming by, to 
whom he called out for help with all his might and main. The Man 
began to read the Boy a lecture for his f oolhardiness ; but the urchin 
cried out, "0, save me now, sir! and read me the lecture afterwards." 

(Fable 352 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE FARMER AND THE DOGS 

A FARMER, during a severe winter, being shut up by the snow in 
his farm-house, and sharply pressed for food, which he was 
unable to get about to procure, began consuming his own sheep. As 
the hard weather continued, he next ate up his goats. And at last — 
for there was no break in the weather — he betook himself to the 
plough-oxen. Upon this, the Dogs said to one another, "Let us be 
off; for since the master, as we see, has had no pity on the working- 
oxen, how is it likely he will spare us?" 

(Fable 95 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE FARMER AND THE LION 

A LION entered one day into a farm-yard, and the Farmer, wish- 
ing to catch him, shut the gate. When the Lion found that 
he could not get out, he began at once to attack the sheep, and then 
betook himself to the oxen. So the Farmer, afraid for himself, now 



1 



,ESOP 59 

opened the gate, and the Lion made off as fast as he could. His 
wife, who had observed it all, when she saw her husband in great 
trouble at the loss of his cattle, cried out — "You are rightly served; 
for what could have made you so mad as to wish to obtain a creature, 
whom, if you saw at a distance, you would wish further off." 
Better scare a thief than snare him. 

(Fable 250 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE CHARGER AND THE ASS 

A CHARGER adorned with his fine trappings came thundering 
along the road, exciting the envy of a poor Ass who was trudg- 
ing along the same way with a heavy load upon his back. "Get out 
of my road!" said the proud Horse, "or I shall trample you under 
my feet." The Ass said nothing, but quickly moved to one side to 
let the Horse pass. Not long afterwards the Charger was engaged 
in the wars, and being badly wounded in battle was rendered unfit for 
military service, and sent to work upon a farm. When the Ass saw 
him dragging with great labour a heavy waggon, he understood how 
little reason he had had to envy one who, by his overbearing spirit in 
the time of his prosperity, had lost those friends who might have suc- 
coured him in time of need. 

(Fable 328 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE BRAZIER AND HIS DOG 

THERE was a certain Brazier who had a little Dog. While he 
hammered away at his metal, the Dog slept; but whenever he 
sat down to his dinner the Dog woke up. "Sluggard cur!" said the 



60 CLASSICAL FABLES 

Brazier, throwing him a bone; "you sleep through the noise of the 
anvil, but wake up at the first clatter of my teeth." 

Men are awake enough to their own interests, who turn a deat ear 
to their friend's distress. 

(Fable 413 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

VENUS AND THE CAT 

A CAT having fallen in love with a young man, besought Venus to 
change her into a girl, in the hope of gaining his affections. 
The Goddess, taking compassion on her weakness, metamorphosed 
her into a fair damsel; and the young man, enamoured of her beauty, 
led her home as his bride. As they were sitting in their chamber, 
Venus, wishing to know whether in changing her form she had also 
changed her nature, set down a Mouse before her. The Girl, forget- 
ful of her new condition, started from her seat, and pounced upon the 
Mouse as if she would have eaten it on the spot; whereupon the God- 
dess, provoked at her frivolity, straightway turned her into a Cat 
again. 
What is bred in the bone, will never out of the flesh. 

(Fable 88 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE GREAT AND THE LITTLE FISHES 

A FISHERMAN was drawing up a net which he had cast into the 
sea, full of all sorts of fish. The Little Fish escaped through 
the meshes of the net, and got back into the deep, but the Great Fish 
were all caught and hauled into the ship. 

Our insignificance is often the cause of our safety. 

(Fable 26 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 






^ESOP 61 

THE WOLF AND THE GOAT 

A WOLF, seeing a Goat feeding on the brow of a high precipice 
where he could not come at her, besought her to come down 
lower, for fear she would miss her footing at that dizzy height; "and 
moreover," said he, "the grass is far sweeter and more abundant here 
below." But the Goat replied: "Excuse me; it is not for my din- 
ner that you invite me, but for your own." 

(Fable 270 Halm; Thomas lames' translation.) 

THE ASS, THE COCK AND THE LION 

AN Ass and a Cock lived in a farm-yard together. One day a 
hungry Lion passing by and seeing the Ass in good condition, 
resolved to make a meal of him. Now, they say that there is nothing 
a Lion hates so much as the crowing of a Cock; and at that moment 
the Cock happening to crow, the Lion straightway made off with all 
haste from the spot. The Ass, mightily amused to think that a Lion 
should be frightened at a bird, plucked up courage and galloped 
after him, delighted with the notion of driving the king of beasts be- 
fore him. He had, however, gone no great distance, when the Lion 
turned sharply round upon him, and made an end of him in a trice. 

Presumption begins in ignorance and ends in ruin. 
(Fable 323 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE RIVERS AND THE SEA 

ONCE upon a time the Rivers combined against the Sea, and, go- 
ing in a body, accused her, saying: "Why is it that when we 
Rivers pour our waters into you so fresh and sweet, you straightway 



62 CLASSICAL FABLES 

render them salt and unpalatable?" The Sea, observing the temper 
in which they came, merely answered: "If you do not wish to be- 
come salt, please keep away from me altogether." 

Those who are most benefited are often the first to complain. 

(Fable 380 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE ASS CARRYING SALT 

A CERTAIN Huckster who kept an Ass, hearing that Salt was to 
be had cheap at the sea-side, drove down his Ass thither to buy 
some. Having loaded the beast as much as he could bear, he was 
driving him home, when, as they were passing a slippery ledge of 
rock, the Ass fell into the stream below, and the Salt being melted, 
the Ass was relieved of his burden, and having gained the bank with 
ease, pursued his journey onward light in body and in spirit. The 
Huckster soon afterwards set off for the sea-shore for some more Salt, 
and loaded the Ass, if possible, yet more heavily than before. On 
their return, as they crossed the stream into which he had formerly 
fallen, the Ass fell down on purpose, and by the dissolving of the Salt, 
was again released from his load. The Master, provoked at the loss, 
and thinking how he might cure him of this trick, on his next journey 
to the coast freighted the beast with a load of sponges. When they 
arrived at the same stream as before, the Ass was at his old tricks 
again, and rolled himself into the water; but the sponges becoming 
thoroughly wet, he found to his cost, as he proceeded homewards, 
that instead of lightening his burden, he had more than doubled its 
weight. 

The same measures will not suit all circumstances; and we may 
play the same trick once too often. 

{Fable 322 b. Halm; Thomas lames' translation.) 



JESOP 63 

THE BLACKAMOOR 

A CERTAIN man bought a Blackamoor, and thinking that the 
colour of his skin arose from the neglect of his former master, 
he no sooner brought him home than he procured all manner of scour- 
ing apparatus, scrubbing-brushes, soaps, and sand-paper, and set to 
work with his servants to wash him white again. They drenched 
and rubbed him for many an hour, but all in vain ; his skin remained 
as black as ever; while the poor wretch all but died from the cold he 
caught under the operation. 

What is bred in the bone will stick to the flesh. 

(Fable 13 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE SEA-SIDE TRAVELLERS 

AS some Travellers were making their way along the sea-shore, 
they came to a high cliff, and looking out upon the sea saw a 
Faggot floating at a distance, which they thought at first must be a 
large Ship ; so they waited, expecting to see it come into harbour. As 
the Faggot drifted nearer to shore, they thought it no longer to be a 
Ship, but a Boat. But when it was at length thrown on the beach, 
they saw that it was nothing but a Faggot after all. 

Dangers seem greatest at a distance; and coming events are mag- 
nified according to the interest or inclination of the beholder. 

(Fable 310 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



64 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX 

A LEOPARD and a Fox had a contest which was the finer creature 
of the two. The Leopard put forward the beauty of its num- 
berless spots; but the Fox replied — "It is better to have a versatile 
mind than a variegated body." 

(Fable 42 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE MONKEY AND THE FISHERMEN 

A MONKEY was sitting up in a high tree, when, seeing some 
Fishermen laying their nets in a river, he watched what they 
were doing. The Men had no sooner set their nets, and retired a 
short distance to their dinner, than the Monkey came down from the 
tree, thinking that he would try his hand at the same sport. But in 
attempting to lay the nets he got so entangled in them, that being well 
nigh choked, he was forced to exclaim: "This serves me right; for 
what business had I, who know nothing of fishing, to meddle with 
such tackle as this?" 

(Fable 362 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE EAGLE AND THE BEETLE 

A HARE being pursued by an Eagle, betook himself for refuge to 
the nest of a Beetle, whom he entreated to save him. The 
Beetle therefore interceded with the Eagle, begging of him not to kill 
the poor suppliant, and conjuring him, by mighty Jupiter, not to 






yESOP 65 

slight his intercession and break the laws of hospitality because he 
was so small an animal. But the Eagle, in wrath, gave the Beetle a 
flap with his wing, and straightway seized upon the Hare and de- 
voured him. When the Eagle flew away, the Beetle flew after him, 
to learn where his nest was, and getting into it, he rolled the Eagle's 
eggs out of it one by one, and broke them. The Eagle, grieved and 
enraged to think that any one should attempt so audacious a thing, 
built his nest the next time in a higher place ; but there too the Beetle 
got at it again, and served him in the same manner as before. Upon 
this the Eagle, being at a loss what to do, flew up to Jupiter, his Lord 
and King, and placed the third brood of eggs, as a sacred deposit, in 
his lap, begging him to guard them for him. But the Beetle, having 
made a little ball of dirt, flew up with it and dropped it in Jupiter's 
lap; who, rising up on a sudden to shake it off, and forgetting the 
eggs, threw them down, and they were again broken. Jupiter being 
informed by the Beetle that he had done this to be revenged upon the 
Eagle, who had not only wronged him, but had acted impiously 
towards Jove himself, told the Eagle, when he came to him, that the 
Beetle was the aggrieved party, and that he complained not without 
reason. But being unwilling that the race of Eagles should be dimin- 
ished, he advised the Beetle to come to an accommodation with the 
Eagle. As the Beetle would not agree to this, Jupiter transferred 
the Eagle's breeding to another season, when there are no Beetles to 
be seen. 

No one can slight the laws of hospitality with impunity; and there 
is no station or influence, however powerful, that can protect the op- 
pressor, in the end, from the vengeance of the oppressed. 

(Fable 7 Halm; Thomas James* translation.) 



66 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE MAN AND HIS TWO WIVES 

IN days when a man was allowed more wives than one, a middle- 
aged bachelor, who could be called neither young nor old, and 
whose hair was only just beginning to turn grey, must needs fall in 
love with two women at once, and marry them both. The one was 
young and blooming, and wished her husband to appear as youth- 
ful as herself; the other was somewhat more advanced in age, and was 
as anxious that her husband should appear a suitable match for her. 
So, while the young one seized every opportunity of pulling out the 
good man's grey hairs, the old one was as industrious in plucking out 
every black hair she could find. For a while the man was highly 
gratified by their attention and devotion, till he found one morning 
that, between the one and the other, he had not a hair left. 
Those who seek to please everybody end by pleasing nobody. 

(Fable 56 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE VINE AND THE GOAT 

THERE was a Vine teeming with ripe fruit and tender shoots, 
when a wanton Goat came up and gnawed the bark, and browsed 
upon the young leaves. "I will revenge myself on you," said the 
Vine, "for this insult; for when in a few days you are brought as a 
victim to the altar, the juice of my grapes shall be the dew of death 
upon thy forehead." 

Retribution though late comes at last. 

(Fable 404 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



^ESOP 67 

THE SICK KITE 

A KITE, who had been long very ill, said to his mother, "Don't 
cry, mother; but go and pray to the gods that I may recover 
from this dreadful disease and pain." "Alas! child," said the 
mother, "which of the gods can I entreat for one who has robbed all 
their altars?" 

A death-bed repentance is poor amends for the errors of a life-time. 

(Fable 208 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE ASS'S SHADOW 

A YOUTH, one hot summer's day, hired an Ass to carry him 
from Athens to Megara. At mid- day the heat of the sun was 
so scorching, that he dismounted and would have sat down to repose 
himself under the shadow of the Ass. But the driver of the Ass dis- 
puted the place with him, declaring that he had an equal right to it 
with the other. "What!" said the Youth, "did I not hire the Ass 
for the whole journey?" "Yes," said the other, "you hired the Ass, 
but not the Ass's Shadow." While they were thus wrangling and 
fighting for the place, the Ass took to his heels and ran away. 
In quarrelling over the shadow, we often lose the substance. 

(Fable 339 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE DOGS AND THE HIDES 

SOME hungry Dogs, seeing some raw Hides which a skinner had 
1 left in the bottom of a stream, and not being able to reach them, 
agreed among themselves to drink up the river to get at the prize. 



68 CLASSICAL FABLES 

So they set to work, but they all burst themselves with drinking be- 
fore ever they came near the Hides. 

They who aim at an object by unreasonable means, are apt to ruin 
themselves in the attempt. 

(Fable 218 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE LION AND THE BULLS 

THREE Bulls fed in a field together in the greatest peace and 
amity. A Lion had long watched them in the hope of making 
prize of them, but found that there was little chance for him so long 
as they kept all together. He therefore began secretly to spread evil 
and slanderous reports of one against the other, till he had fomented 
a jealousy and distrust amongst them. No sooner did the Lion see 
that they avoided one another, and fed each by himself apart, than 
he fell upon them singly, and so made an easy prey of them all. 
The quarrels of friends are the opportunities of foes. 

(Fable 394 b. Halm; Thomas James translation.) 

THE RAVEN AND THE SWAN 

A RAVEN envied a Swan the whiteness of her plumage; and, 
thinking that its beauty was owing to the water in which she 
lived, he deserted the altars where he used to find his livelihood, and 
betook himself to the pools and streams. There he plumed and 
dressed himself and washed his coat, but all to no purpose, for his 
plumage remained as black as ever, and he himself soon perished for 
want of his usual food. 

Change of scene is not change of nature. 

(Fable 206 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



7ES0F 69 

THE SHEPHERD AND THE SEA 

A SHEPHERD moved down his flock to feed near the shore, and 
beholding the Sea lying in a smooth and breathless calm, he 
was seized with a strong desire to sail over it. So he sold all his sheep 
and bought a cargo of Dates, and loaded a vessel, and set sail. He 
had not gone far when a storm arose; his ship was wrecked, and his 
Dates and everything lost, and he himself with difficulty escaped to 
land. Not long after, when the Sea was again calm, and one of his 
friends came up to him and was admiring its repose, he said, "Have 
a care, my good fellow, of that smooth surface. It is only looking 
out for your Dates." 

(Fable 370 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE SWALLOW IN CHANCERY 

A SWALLOW had built her nest under the eaves of a Court of 
Justice. Before her young ones could fly, a Serpent gliding 
out of his hole ate them all up. When the poor bird returned to her 
nest and found it empty, she began a pitiable wailing; but a neighbour 
suggesting, by way of comfort, that she was not the first bird who had 
lost her young, "True," she replied, "but it is not only my little ones 
that I mourn, but that I should have been wronged in that very place 
where the injured fly for justice." 

(Fable 418 b. Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



70 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE OLD WOMAN AND HER MAIDS 

A THRIFTY old Widow kept two Servant-maids, whom she used to 
. call up to their work at cock-crow. The Maids disliked ex- 
ceedingly this early rising, and determined between themselves to 
wring off the Cock's neck, as he was the cause of all their trouble by 
waking their mistress so early. They had no sooner done this, than 
the only lady missing her usual alarm, and afraid of oversleeping 
herself, continually mistook the time of day, and roused them up at 
midnight. 

Too much cunning overreaches itself. 

(Fable 110 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE MISER 

A MISER, to make sure of his property, sold all that he had and 
converted it into a great lump of gold, which he hid in a hole 
in the ground, and went continually to visit and inspect it. This 
roused the curiosity of one of his workmen, who, suspecting that there 
was a treasure, when his master's back was turned, went to the spot, 
and stole it away. When the Miser returned and found the place 
empty, he wept and tore his hair. But a neighbour who saw him in 
this extravagant grief, and learned the cause of it, said, "Fret your- 
self no longer, but take a stone and put it in the same place, and think 
that it is your lump of gold ; for, as you never meant to use it, the one 
will do you as much good as the other." 

The worth of money is not in its possession, but in its use. 

(Fable 412 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 




" 'NOW THEN!' CRIED THE EAGLE." 



-Page H 



jesop 71 

the wild boar and the fox 

A WILD Boar was whetting his tusks against a tree, when a Fox 
coming by asked why he did so; "For," said he, "I see no rea- 
son for it; there is neither hunter nor hound in sight, nor any other 
danger that I can see, at hand." "True," replied the Boar; "but 
when that danger does arise, I shall have something else to do than 
to sharpen my weapons." 

It is too late to whet the sword when the trumpet sounds to draw 
it. 

(Fable 407 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING 

A WOLF, once upon a time, resolved to disguise himself, think- 
ing that he should thus gain an easier livelihood. Having, 
therefore, clothed himself in a sheep's skin, he contrived to get among 
a flock of Sheep, and feed along with them, so that even the Shep- 
herd was deceived by the imposture. When night came on and the 
fold was closed, the Wolf was shut up with the Sheep, and the door 
made fast. But the Shepherd, wanting something for his supper, 
and going in to fetch out a sheep, mistook the Wolf for one of them, 
and killed him on the spot. 

(Fable 376 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE BOASTING TRAVELLER 

A MAN who had been travelling in foreign parts, on his return 
home was always bragging and boasting of the good feats he had 
accomplished in different places. In Rhodes, for instance, he said he 



72 CLASSICAL FABLES 

had taken such an extraordinary leap, that no man could come near 
him, and he had witnesses there to prove it. "Possibly," said one of 
his hearers; "but if this be true, just suppose this to be Rhodes, and 
then try the leap again." 

(Fable 203 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE WOLF AND THE HORSE 

AS a Wolf was roaming over a farm, he came to a field of oats, 
but not being able to eat them, he left them and went his way. 
Presently meeting with a Horse, he bade him come with him into 
the field; "For," says he, "I have found some capital oats; and I 
have not tasted one, but have kept them all for you, for the very 
sound of your teeth is music to my ear." But the Horse replied: 
"A pretty fellow! If Wolves were able to eat oats, I suspect you 
would not have preferred your ears to your appetite." 

Little thanks are due to him who only gives away what is of no 
use to himself. 

(Fable 277 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE HUNTER AND THE WOODMAN 

A BLIND MAN was accustomed to tell the species of any animal 
that was brought to him, by feeling it over with his hands, 
and if he knew where his lair was. "Yes," says the Man, "and if 
you will come with me I will show you the Lion himself." At this 
the Hunter, turning ghastly pale, and his teeth chattering, said, 
"Oh, thank you; it was the Lion's track, not himself, that I was 
hunting." 



^SOP 73 

A coward can be a hero at a distance ; it is presence of danger that 
tests the presence of mind. 

(Fable 114 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE BLIND MAN AND THE WHELP 

A BLIND MAN was accustomed to tell the species of any animal 
that was brought to him, by feeling it over with his hands. 
Once they brought to him a Wolf's whelp. He felt it all over, and 
being in doubt, said, "I know, that I would not trust thee among a 
flock of sheep." 

Evil dispositions are clearly shown. 

(Fable 57 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE PORKER AND THE SHEEP 

A YOUNG Porker took up his quarters in a fold of Sheep. One 
day the shepherd laid hold on him, when he squeaked and 
struggled with all his might and main. The Sheep reproached him 
for crying out, and said, "The master often lays hold of us, and we 
do not cry." "Yes," replied he, "but our case is not the same; for he 
catches you for the sake of your wool, but he lays hold of me for my 
very life!" 

(Fable 115 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE MONKEY AND THE CAMEL 

AT a great meeting of the Beasts, fhe Monkey stood up to dance. 
Having greatly distinguished himself, and being applauded by 
all present, it roused the envy of the Camel, who came forward and 



74 CLASSICAL FABLES 

began to dance also ; but he made himself so utterly absurd, that all 
the Beasts in indignation set upon him with clubs and drove him out 
of the ring. 

It is foolish vanity to try to ape our betters. 

(Fable 365 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE HORSE AND THE GROOM 

A GROOM used to spend whole days in curry-combing and rub- 
bing down his Horse, but at the same time stole his oats, and 
sold them for his own profit. "Alas!" said the Horse, "if you really 
wish me to be in good condition, you should groom me less, and feed 
me more." 

Honesty is the best policy. 

{Fable 176 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE FAWN AND HIS MOTHER 

A YOUNG Fawn once said to his mother, "You are larger than a 
dog, and swifter, and more used to running, and you have, too, 
your horns as a defence. Why then, Mother! are you always in 
such terrible fright of the hounds?" She smiled and said: "I 
know full well, my son, that all you say is true. I have the advan- 
tages you mention, but yet when I hear only the bark of a single dog 
I feel ready to faint, and fly away as fast as I can." 
No arguments will give courage to a coward. 

(Fable 303 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



MSOP 75 

THE CAT AND THE MICE 

A CAT, grown feeble with age, and no longer able to hunt the 
Mice as she was wont to do, bethought herself how she might 
entice them within reach of her paw. Thinking that she might pass 
herself off for a bag, or for a dead cat at least, she suspended her- 
self by the hind legs from a peg, in the hope that the Mice would 
no longer be afraid to come near her. An old Mouse, who was wise 
enough to keep his distance, whispered to a friend, "Many a bag have 
I seen in my day, but never one with a cat's head." "Hang there, 
good Madam," said the other, as long as you please, but I would 
not trust myself within reach of you though you were stuffed with 
straw." 

Old birds are not to be caught with chaff. 

(Fable 15 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE NURSE AND THE WOLF 

A WOLF, roving about in search of food, passed by a door where 
a child was crying and its Nurse chiding it. As he stood listen- 
ing he heard the Nurse say, "Now leave off crying this instant, or 
I'll throw you out to the Wolf." So thinking that the old woman 
would be as good as her word, he waited quietly about the house, 
in expectation of a capital supper. But as it grew dark and the 
child became quiet, he again heard the Nurse, who was now fondling 
the child, say, "There's a good dear then ; if the naughty Wolf comes 
for my child, we'll beat him to death, we will." The Wolf, disap- 



76 



CLASSICAL FABLES 



pointed and mortified, thought it was now high time to be going 
home, and, hungry as a wolf indeed, muttered as he went along: 
"This comes of heeding people who say one thing and mean another !" 

(Fable 275 Halm; Thomas lames' translation.) 

THE MULE 

A MULE that had grown fat and wanton on too good an allowance 
of corn, was one day jumping and kicking about, and at length, 
cocking up her tail, exclaimed, "My dam was a Racer, and I am 
quite as good as ever she was." But being soon knocked up with her 
galloping and frisking, she remembered all at once that her sire was 
an Ass. 

Every truth has two sides ; it is well to look at both, before we com- 
mit ourselves to either. 

(Fable 157 Halm; Thomas lames' translation.) 



THE WOLF AND THE SHEPHERDS 

A WOLF looking into a hut and seeing some Shepherds com- 
fortably regaling themselves on a joint of mutton — "A pretty 
row," said he, "would these men have made if they had caught me at 
such a supper!" 

Men are too apt to condemn in others the verv things that they 
practise themselves. 

(Fable 282 Halm; Thomas lames' translation.) 



M 



MSOP 77 

MERCURY AND THE SCULPTOR 

ERCURY having a mind to know in what estimation he was 
held among men, disguised himself as a traveller, and going 
into a Sculptor's workshop, began asking the price of the different 
statues he saw there. Pointing to an image of Jupiter, he asked 
how much he wanted for that. "A drachma," said the image-maker. 
Mercury laughed in his sleeve, and asked, "How much for this of 
Juno?" The man wanted a higher price for that. Mercury's eye 
now caught his own image. "Now, will this fellow," thought he, 
"ask me ten times as much for this, for I am the messenger of heaven, 
and the source of all his gain." So he put the question to him, 
what he valued that Mercury at. "Well," says the Sculptor, "if you 
will give me my price for the other two, I will throw you that into 
the bargain." 

They who are over anxious to know how the world values them, 
will seldom be set down at their own price. 

(Fable 137 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE ASTRONOMER 

AN Astronomer used to walk out every night to gaze upon the stars. 
It happened one night, that, as he was wandering in the out- 
skirts of the city, with his whole thoughts rapt up in the skies, he 
fell into a well. On his holloaing and calling out, one who heard 
his cries ran up to him, and when he had listened to his story, said, 
"My good man, while you are trying to pry into the mysteries of 
heaven, you overlook the common objects that are under your feet." 

(Fable 72 Halm; Thomas James* translation.) 



78 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE CREAKING WHEELS 

AS some Oxen were dragging a waggon along a heavy road, the 
Wheels set up a tremendous creaking. "Brute!" cried the 
driver to the waggon; "Why do you groan, when they who are draw- 
ing all the weight are silent?" 

Those who cry loudest are not always the most hurt. 

(Fable 79 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE SNAKE 

A COUNTRYMAN returning home one winter's day, found a Snake 
by the hedge-side, half dead with cold. Taking compassion 
on the creature, he laid it in his bosom, and brought it home to his 
fire-side, to revive it. No sooner had the warmth restored it, than 
it began to attack the children of the cottage. Upon this the Country- 
man, whose compassion had saved its life, took up a mattock and 
laid the Snake dead at his feet. 

Those who return evil for good, may expect their neighbour's pity 
to be worn out at last. 

(Fable 97 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE VIPER AND THE FILE 

A VIPER entering into a smith's shop began looking about for 
something to eat. At length, seeing a File, he went up to it 
and commenced biting at it; but the File bade him leave him alone, 
saying, "You are likely to get little from me, whose business it is 
to bite others." 

(Fable 146 Halm; Thomas James' translation.) 



7ES0F 79 

1 — — ■ ■ ■ i,, 1 1 ■■■■■■i MM ii 1 1 i 

THE MOLE AND HER MOTHER 

^> AID a young Mole to her mother, "Mother, I can see." So, in 
vj order to try her, her Mother put a lump of frankincense before 
her, and asked her what it was. "A stone," said the young one. "0, 
my child!" said the Mother, "not only do you not see, but you can- 
not even smell." 

Brag upon one defect, and betray another. 

(Fable 71 b. Halm; Thomas lames' translation.) 

THE MAN, THE HORSE, THE OX AND THE DOG 

AHORSE, Ox, and Dog, driven to great straits by the cold, sought 
shelter and protection from Man. He received them kindly, 
lighted a fire, and warmed them. He made the Horse free of his 
oats, gave the Ox abundance of hay, and fed the Dog with meat from 
his own table. Grateful for these favours, they determined to repay 
him to the best of their ability. They divided for this purpose the 
term of his life between them, and each endowed one portion of it 
with the qualities which chiefly characterised himself. The Horse 
chose his earliest years, and endowed them with his own attributes: 
hence every man is in his youth impetuous, headstrong, and obstinate 
in maintaining his own opinion. The Ox took under his patronage 
the next term of life, and therefore man in his middle age is fond 
of work, devoted to labour, and resolute to amass wealth, and to hus- 
band his resources. The end of life was reserved to the Dog, where- 



80 CLASSICAL FABLES 

fore an old man is often snappish, irritable, hard to please, and selfish, 
tolerant only of his own household, but averse to strangers, and to 
all who do not administer to his comfort or to his necessities. 

(Fable 173 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE WAR-HORSE AND THE MILLER 

A WAR-HORSE, feeling the infirmities of age, betook him to a 
mill instead of going out to battle. But when he was com- 
pelled to grind instead of serving in the wars, he bewailed his change 
of fortune, and called to mind his former state, saying, "Ah! Miller, 
I had indeed to go a-campaigning before; but I was barbed from 
counter to tail, and a man went along to groom me; and now, I can- 
not tell what ailed me to prefer the mill before the battle." "Stop," 
said the Miller to him, "harping on what used to be, for it is the 
common lot of mortals to sustain the ups and downs of fortune." 

(Fable 174 b. Halm; Toumsend's translation.) 

THE KITES AND THE SWANS 

THE Kites of old time had, equally with the Swans, the privilege 
of song. But having heard the neigh of the horse, they were 
so enchanted with the sound, that they tried to imitate it; and, in try- 
ing to neigh, they forgot how to sing. 

The desire for imaginary benefits often involves the loss of present 
blessings. 

(Fable 170 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 



jesop 8i 

THE FOWLER AND THE VIPER 

A FOWLER, taking his bird-lime and his twigs, went out to catch 
birds. Seeing a thrush sitting upon a tree, he wished to take 
it, and fitting his twigs to a proper length, he watched intently, hav- 
ing his whole thoughts directed towards the sky. While thus looking 
upwards, he unawares trod upon a Viper asleep just before his feet. 
The Viper, turning towards him, stung him; and he, falling into a 
swoon, said to himself, "Poor wretch that I am! While trying to 
destroy others, I myself have fallen unawares into the snares of death." 

(Fable 171 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE HORSE AND HIS RIDER 

AHORSE Soldier took the utmost pains with his charger. As 
long as the war lasted, he looked upon him as his fellow-helper 
in all emergencies, and fed him carefully with hay and corn. When 
the war was over, he only allowed him chaff to eat, and made him 
carry heavy loads of wood, and subjected him to much slavish drudgery 
and ill-treatment. War, however, being again proclaimed, and the 
trumpet summoning him to his standard, the Soldier put on his charger 
its military trappings, and mounted, being clad in his heavy coat of 
mail. The Horse fell down straightway under the weight, no longer 
equal to the burden, and said to his master, "You must now go to 
the war on foot, for you have transformed me from a Horse into an 
Ass ; and how can you expect that I cah again turn in a moment from 
an Ass to a Horse?" 

(Fable 178 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 



82 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE CAMEL 

WHEN Men first saw the Camel, they were so frightened at 
his vast size that they fled away. After a time, perceiving 
the meekness and gentleness of the Camel's temper, they summoned 
courage enough to approach him. Soon afterwards, observing that 
he was an animal altogether deficient in spirit, they assumed such 
boldness as to put a bridle in his mouth, and to set a child to drive 
him. 

Familiarity breeds contempt. 

(Fable 180 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE CRAB AND THE FOX 

A CRAB, forsaking the sea-shore, chose a neighbouring green 
meadow as its feeding ground. A Fox came across him, and 
being very much famished ate him up. Just as he was on the point 
of being eaten, the Crab said, "I well deserve my fate; for what 
business had I on the land, when by my nature and habits I am only 
adapted for the sea?" 

Contentment with our lot is an element of happiness. 

(Fable 186 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE WALNUT-TREE 

A WALNUT-TREE standing by the roadside bore an abundant 
crop of fruit. The passers-by broke its branches with stones 
and sticks for the sake of the nuts. The Walnut-tree piteously ex- 



7ES0P 83 

claimed, "0 wretched me! that those whom I cheer with my fruit 
should repay me with these painful requitals !" 

There are many thoughtless people, who return only evil for good. 

(Fable 188 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE THIEVES AND THE COCK 

SOME Thieves broke into a house, and found nothing but a Cock, 
whom they stole, and got off as fast as they could. On arriving 
at home they proceeded to kill the Cock, who thus pleaded for his 
life: "Pray spare me; I am very serviceable to men. I wake them 
up in the night to their work." "That is the very reason why we 
must the more kill you," replied the Thieves; "for when you wake 
your neighbours, you entirely put an end to our business." 
The safeguards of virtue are hateful to the evil-disposed. 

(Fable 195 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE THIEF AND THE INNKEEPER 

A THIEF hired a room in a tavern, and stayed some days, in the 
hope of stealing something which should enable him to pay 
his reckoning. When he had waited some days in vain, he saw 
the Innkeeper dressed in a new and handsome coat, and sitting be- 
fore his door. The Thief sat down beside him, and talked with him. 
As the conversation began to flag, the Thief yawned terribly, and 
at the same time howled like a Wolf. The Innkeeper said, "Why 
do you howl so fearfully?" "I will tell you," said the Thief: "but 
first let me ask you to hold my clothes, for I wish to leave them in 



84 CLASSICAL FABLES 

your hands. I know not, sir, when I got this habit of yawning, nor 
whether these attacks of howling were inflicted on me as a judgment 
for my crimes, or for any other cause; but this I do know, that 
when I yawn for the third time, I actually turn into a wolf, and at- 
tack men." With this speech he commenced a second fit of yawning, 
and again howled as a Wolf, as he did at first. The Innkeeper hear- 
ing his tale, and believing what he said, became greatly alarmed, 
and, rising from his seat, attempted to run away. The Thief laid 
hold of his coat, and entreated him to stop, saying, "Pray wait, sir, 
and hold my clothes, or I shall tear them to pieces in my fury, when 
I turn into a Wolf." At the same moment he yawned the third time, 
and set up a howl like a Wolf. The Innkeeper, frightened lest he 
should be attacked, left his new coat in his hand, and ran as fast 
as he could into the inn for safety. The Thief made off with his 
new coat, and did not return again to the inn. 
It is foolish to believe all that we are told. 

(Fable 196 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE JACKDAW AND THE DOVES 

A JACKDAW seeing some Doves in a cote abundantly provided 
with food, painted himself white, and joined himself to them, 
that he might enjoy a share of their good living. The Doves, as long 
as he was silent, supposing him to be one of themselves, admitted 
him to their cote; but when, one day forgetting himself, he began to 
chatter, they, discovering his true character, drove him forth, pecking 
him with their beaks. Failing to obtain food among the Doves, he 



,ESOP 85 

betook himself again to the Jackdaws. They too, not recognizing 
him on account of his colour, expelled him from living with them. 
So, desiring two objects, he obtained neither. 

(Fable 201 b. Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE CROW AND MERCURY 

A CROW caught in a snare prayed to Apollo to release him, making 
a vow to offer some frankincense at his shrine. Being rescued 
from his danger, he forgot his promise. Shortly afterwards, on being 
again caught in a second snare, passing by Apollo he made the same 
promise to offer frankincense to Mercury. Whereupon Mercury ap- 
peared, and said to him, "0 thou most base fellow! how can I be- 
lieve thee, who hast disowned and wronged thy former patron?" 

Those who prove ungrateful to former benefactors, cannot hope for 
further aid. 

(Fable 205 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE CROW AND THE SERPENT 

A CROW, in great want of food, saw a Serpent asleep in a sunny 
nook, and flying down, greedily seized him. The Serpent turn- 
ing about, bit the Crow with a mortal wound ; the Crow in the agony 
of death exclaimed: "0 unhappy me! who have found in that which 
I deemed a happy windfall the source of my destruction." 

There are many men who will, like the Serpent, endanger their 
lives, for the sake of finding treasure. 

(Fable 207 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 



86 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE CROW AND RAVEN 

A CROW was very jealous of the Raven, because he was con- 
sidered a bird of good omen, and always attracted the attention 
of men, as indicating by his flight the good or evil course of future 
events. Seeing some travellers approaching, she flew up into a 
tree, and perching herself on one of the branches, cawed as loudly 
as she could. The travellers turned towards the sound, and wondered 
what it boded, when one of them said to his companion, "Let us 
proceed on our journey, my friend, for it is only the caw of a Crow, 
and her cry, you know, is no omen." 

Those who assume a character which does not belong to them, only 
make themselves ridiculous. 

(Fable 212 Halm; TownseruTs translation.) 

THE SWAN AND THE GOOSE 

A CERTAIN rich man bought in the market a Goose and a Swan. 
He fed the one for his table, and kept the other for the sake of 
its song. When the time came for killing the Goose, the cook went 
to take him at night, when it was dark, and he was not able to dis- 
tinguish one bird from the other, and he caught the Swan instead of 
the Goose. The Swan, threatened with death, burst forth into song, 
and thus made himself known by his voice, and preserved his life by 
his melody. 

A word in season is most precious. 

(Fable 215 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 



JESOP 87 

THE TWO DOGS 

A MAN had two dogs ; a Hound, trained to assist him in his sports, 
and a House-dog, taught to watch the house. When he re- 
turned home after a good day's sport, he always gave the House-dog a 
large share of his spoil. The Hound, feeling much aggrieved at this, 
reproached his companion, saying, "It is very hard to have all this 
labour, while you, who do not assist in the chase, luxuriate on the 
fruits of my exertions." The House-dog replied, "Do not blame me, 
my friend, but find fault with the master, who has not taught me to 
labour, but to depend for subsistence on the labour of others." 
Children are not to be blamed for the faults of their parents. 

(Fable 217 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE DOGS AND THE FOX 

SOME Dogs, finding the skin of a lion, began to tear it in pieces 
with their teeth. A Fox, seeing them, said, "If this lion were 
alive, you would soon find out that his claws were stronger than your 
teeth." 

It is easy to kick a man that is down. 

(Fable 219 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE DOG'S HOUSE 

A DOG who spent his winters rolled together and coiled up in 
as small a space as possible on account of the cold, determined 
to make himself a house. When the summer returned again he spent 
his time dozing, stretched at his full length, and thought himself a 



88 CLASSICAL FABLES 

very big dog indeed, and considered that it would be neither an easy 
nor a necessary work to make himself such a house as would accom- 
modate him. 

(Fable 222 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE DOG AND THE OYSTER 

A DOG, used to eating eggs, saw an Oyster; and opening his mouth 
to its widest extent, swallowed it down with the utmost relish, 
supposing it to be an egg. Soon afterwards suffering great pain in 
his stomach, he said, "I deserve all this torment, for my folly in 
thinking that everything round must be an egg." 

They who act without sufficient thought, will often fall into un- 
suspected danger. 

(Fable 223 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE GNAT AND THE LION 

A GNAT came and said to a Lion, "I do not the least fear you, 
nor are you stronger than I am. For in what does your strength 
consist? You can scratch with your claws, and bite with your teeth 
— so can a woman in her quarrels. I repeat that I am altogether more 
powerful than you ; and if you doubt it, let us fight and see who will 
conquer." The Gnat, having sounded his horn, fastened itself upon 
the Lion, and stung him on the nostrils and the parts of the face de- 
void of hair. The Lion, trying to crush him, tore himself with his 
claws, until he punished himself severely. The Gnat thus prevailed 
over the Lion, and, buzzing about in a song of triumph, flew away. 
But shortly afterwards he became entangled in the meshes of a cob- 
web, and was eaten by a spider. He greatly lamented his fate, saying, 









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'>, 



- 




"THE FROG TOOK A SUDDEN PLUNGE TO THE BOTTOM." 



-Page S 



^SOP 89 

"Woe is me! that I, who can wage war successfully with the hugest 
beasts, should perish myself from an insignificant spider!" 

(Fable 234 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE HARES AND THE FOXES 

THE Hares waged war with the Eagles, and called upon the Foxes 
to help them. The Foxes replied, "We would willingly have 
helped you, if we had not known who ye were, and with whom ye were 
fighting." 

Count the cost before you commit yourselves. 

(Fable 236 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE FOX AND THE MONKEY 

A FOX and a Monkey were travelling together on the same road. 
As they journeyed, they passed through a cemetery full of 
monuments. "All these monuments which you see," said the 
Monkey, "are erected in honour of my ancestors, who were in their day 
freed men, and citizens of great renown." The Fox replied, "You 
have chosen a most appropriate subject for your falsehoods, as I am 
sure none of your ancestors will be able to contradict you." 
A false tale often betrays itself. 

(Fable 43 b. Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE MONKEY WHO WOULD BE KING 

A MONKEY once danced in an assembly of the Beasts, and so 
pleased them all by his performance that they elected him their 
King. A Fox envying him the honour, discovered a piece of meat 
lying in a trap, and leading the Monkey to the place where it was 



90 CLASSICAL FABLES 

said, that she had found a store, but had not used it, but had kept 
it for him as treasure trove of his kingdom, and counselled him to lay 
hold of it. The Monkey approached carelessly, and was caught in 
the trap ; and on his accusing the Fox of purposely leading him into 
the snare, she replied, "0 Monkey, how can a creature with such a 
shallow mind as yours, ever hope to be King over the Beasts?" 

(Fable 44 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE MANSLAYER 

A MAN committed a murder, and was pursued by the relations of 
the man whom he murdered. On his reaching the river Nile 
he saw a lion on its bank, and being fearfully afraid, climbed up a 
tree. He found a serpent in the upper branches of the tree, and 
again being greatly alarmed he threw himself into the river, when a 
crocodile caught him and ate him. Thus the earth, the air, and the 
water, alike refused shelter to a Murderer. 

(Fable 48 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE TWO FROGS AND THE WELL 

TWO Frogs dwelt in the same pool. The pool being dried up 
under the summer's heat, they left it, and set out together for 
another home. As they went along they chanced to pass a deep 
well, amply supplied with water, on seeing which one of the Frogs 
said to the other, "Let us descend and make our abode in this well: 
it will furnish us with shelter and food." The other replied, with 



^SOP 91 

greater caution, "But suppose the water should fail us, how can we 
get out again from so great a depth?" 

Do nothing without a regard to the consequence. 

(Fable 74 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE WISE AND THE FOOLISH FROGS 

TWO Frogs were neighbours. The one inhabited a deep pond, 
far removed from public view; the other lived in a gully con- 
taining little water, and traversed by a country road. He that lived 
in the pond warned his friend, and entreated him to change his resi- 
dence, and to come and live with him, saying that he would enjoy 
greater safety from danger and more abundant food. The other re- 
fused, saying that he felt it so very hard to remove from a place to 
which he had become accustomed. A few days afterwards a heavy 
waggon passed through the gully, and crushed him to death under its 
wheels. 

A wilful man will have his way to his own hurt. 

(Fable 75 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE LABOURER AND THE SNAKE 

A SNAKE, having made his home close to the porch of a cottage, 
inflicted a severe bite on the Cottager's infant son, of which 
he died, to the great grief of his parents. The father resolved to 
kill the Snake, and the next day, on its coming out of its hole for 
food, took up his axe; but, making too much haste to hit him as he 
wriggled away, missed his head, and cut off only the end of his 
tail. After some time the Cottager, afraid lest the Snake should bite 



92 CLASSICAL FABLES 

him also, endeavoured to make peace, and placed some bread and salt 
in his hole. The Snake, slightly hissing, said: "There can hence- 
forth be no peace between us ; for whenever I see you I shall remem- 
ber the loss of my tail, and whenever you see me you will be thinking 
of the death of your son." No one truly forgets injuries in the pres- 
ence of him who caused the injury. 

(Fable 96 b. Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE PEASANT AND THE APPLE-TREE 

A PEASANT had in his garden an Apple-tree, which bore no 
fruit, but only served as a harbour for the sparrows and grass- 
hoppers. He resolved to cut it down, and, taking his axe in his 
hand, made a bold stroke at its roots. The grasshoppers and spar- 
rows entreated him not to cut down the tree that sheltered them, but 
to spare it, and they would sing to him and lighten his labours. He 
paid no attention to their request, but gave the tree a second and a 
third blow with his axe: when he reached the hollow of the tree, he 
found a hive full of honey. Having tasted the honeycomb, he threw 
down his axe, and, looking on the tree as sacred, took great care of it. 
Self interest alone moves some men. 

(Fable 102 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE PHILOSOPHER, THE ANTS AND MERCURY 

A PHILOSOPHER witnessed from the shore the shipwreck of a 
vessel, of which the crew and passengers were all drowned. 
He inveighed against the injustice of Providence, which would for 
the sake of one criminal, perchance sailing in the ship, allow so many 



^ESOP 93 

innocent persons to perish. As he was indulging in these reflections, 
he found himself surrounded by a whole army of Ants, near to whose 
nest he was standing. One of them climbed up and stung him, and 
he immediately trampled them all to death with his foot. Mercury 
presented himself, and striking the Philosopher with his wand, said, 
"And are you indeed to make yourself a judge of the dealings of 
Providence, who hast thyself in a similar manner treated these poor 
Ants?" 

(Fable 118 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE OAKS AND JUPITER 

THE Oaks presented a complaint to Jupiter, saying, "We bear 
for no purpose the burden of life, as of all the trees that grow 
we are the most continually in peril of the axe." Jupiter made an- 
swer, "You have only to thank yourselves for the misfortunes to which 
you are exposed: for if you did not make such excellent pillars and 
posts, and prove yourselves so serviceable to the carpenters and the 
farmers, the axe would not so frequently be laid to your roots." 

People often blame Providence for misfortunes for which their own 
natural dispositions are responsible. 

(Fable 122 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE OAK AND THE WOODCUTTERS 

THE Woodcutters cut down a Mountain Oak, split it in pieces, 
making wedges of its own branches for dividing the trunk, and 
for saving their labour. The Oak said with a sigh, "I do not care 



94 CLASSICAL FABLES 

about the blows of the axe aimed at my roots, but I do grieve at being 
torn in pieces by these wedges made from my own branches." 
Misfortunes springing from ourselves are the hardest to bear. 

(Fable 123 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE OLIVE-TREE AND THE FIG-TREE 

THE Olive-tree ridiculed the Fig-tree because, while she was green 
all the year round, the Fig-tree changed its leaves with the sea- 
sons. A shower of snow fell upon them, and, finding the Olive full 
of foliage, it settled upon its branches, and, breaking them down with 
its weight, at once despoiled it of its beauty and killed the tree ; but 
finding the Fig-tree denuded of leaves, it fell through to the ground, 
and did not injure it at all. 

(Fable 124 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE DANCING MONKEYS 

A PRINCE had some Monkeys trained to dance. Being naturally 
great mimics of men's actions, they showed themselves most 
apt pupils; and, when arrayed in their rich clothes and masks, they 
danced as well as any of the courtiers. The spectacle was often 
repeated with great applause, till on one occasion a courtier, bent on 
mischief, took from his pocket a handful of nuts, and threw them 
upon the stage. The Monkeys, at the sight of the nuts, forgot their 
dancing, and became (as indeed they were) Monkeys instead of 
actors, and, pulling off their masks and tearing their robes, they 
fought with one another for the nuts. The dancing spectacle thus 
came to an end, amidst the laughter and ridicule of the audience. 

(Fable 360 Halm; Toivnsend's translation.) 



#1S0P 95 

THE RICH MAN AJNfD THE TANNER 

A RICH man lived near a Tanner, and not being able to bear the 
unpleasant smell of the tan-yard, he pressed his neighbour to 
go away. The Tanner put off his departure from time to time, say- 
ing that he would remove soon. But as he still continued to stay, 
it came to pass, as time went on, the rich man became accustomed 
to the smell, and feeling no manner of inconvenience, made no fur- 
ther complaints. 

(Fable 368 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE SHEPHERD AND THE WOLF 

A SHEPHERD once found the whelp of a Wolf, and brought it 
up, and after a while taught it to steal lambs from the neigh- 
bouring flocks. The Wolf having shown himself an apt pupil, said 
to the Shepherd, "Since you have taught me to steal, you must keep 
a sharp look-out, or you will lose some of your own flock." 

{Fable 375 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE SHEPHERD AND THE SHEEP 

A SHEPHERD driving his Sheep to a wood, saw an oak of un- 
usual size, full of acorns, and, spreading his cloak under the 
branches, he climbed up into the tree, and shook down the acorns. 
The Sheep eating the acorns, inadvertently frayed and tore the cloak. 
The Shepherd coming down, and seeing what was done, said, "0 you 



96 CLASSICAL FABLES 

most ungrateful creatures! you provide wool to make garments for 
all other men, but you destroy the clothes of him who feeds you." 

(Fable 378 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE WASPS, THE PARTRIDGES AND THE FARMER 

THE Wasps and the Partridges, overcome with thirst, came to a 
Farmer and besought him to give them some water to drink. 
They promised amply to repay him the favour which they asked. 
The partridges declared that they would dig around his vines, and 
make them produce finer grapes. The Wasps said that they would 
keep guard, and drive off thieves with their stings. The Farmer, 
interrupting them, said: "I have already two oxen, who, without 
making any promises, do all these things. It is surely better for me 
to give the water to them than to you." 

(Fable 392 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE PEACOCK AND THE CRANE 

A PEACOCK spreading its gorgeous tail mocked a Crane that 
passed by, ridiculing the ashen hue of its plumage, and saying, 
"I am robed, like a king, in gold and purple, and all the colours of 
the rainbow; while you have not a bit of colour on your wings." 
"True," replied the Crane; "but I soar to the heights of heaven, and 
lift up my voice to the stars, while you walk below, like a cock, among 
the birds of the barnyard." 

Fine feathers do not make fine birds. 

(Fable 397 b. Halm; Townsend's translation.) 



,ESOP 97 

THE FLEA AND THE WRESTLER 

A FLEA settled upon the bare foot of a Wrestler, and bit him; on 
which he called loudly upon Hercules for help. The Flea a 
second time hopped upon his foot, when he groaned and said, "0 
Hercules ! if you do not help me against a Flea, how can I hope for 
your assistance against great antagonists?" 

(Fable 424 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE FLEA AND THE MAN 

A MAN, very much annoyed with a Flea, caught him at last, and 
said, "Who are you who dare to feed on my limbs, and to cost 
me so much trouble in catching you?" The Flea replied, "0 my 
dear sir, pray spare my life, and destroy me not, for I cannot possibly 
do you much harm." The Man, laughing, replied, "Now you shall 
certainly die by mine own hands, for no evil, whether it be small or 
large, ought to be tolerated." 

(Fable 425 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE FLEA AND THE OX 

A FLEA thus questioned the Ox: "What ails you, that, being 
so huge and strong, you submit to the wrongs you receive from 
men, and thus slave for them day by day; while I, being so small a 
creature, mercilessly feed on their flesh, and drink their blood with- 
out stint?" The Ox replied: "I do not wish to be ungrateful; for 



98 CLASSICAL FABLES 

I am loved and well cared for by men and they often pat my head and 
shoulders." "Woe's me!" said the Flea; "this very patting which 
you like, whenever it happens to me, brings with it my inevitable de- 



struction." 



(Fable 426 Halm; Tmvnsend's translation.) 

THE HARES AND THE LIONS 

THE Hares harangued the assembly and argued that all should be 
on an equality. The Lions made this reply: "Your words, 
Hares! are good; but they lack both claws and teeth such as we 
have." 

(Fable 241 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE KINGDOM OF THE LION 

THE beasts of the field and forest had a Lion as their king. He 
was neither wrathful, cruel, nor tyrannical, but just and gentle 
as a king could be. He made during his reign a royal proclamation 
for a general assembly of all the birds and beasts, and drew up condi- 
tions for an universal league, in which the Wolf and the Lamb, the 
Panther and the Kid, the Tiger and the Stag, the Dog and the Hare, 
should live together in perfect peace and amity. The Hare said, "Oh, 
how I have longed to see this day, in which the weak shall take their 
place with impunity by the side of the strong." 

(Fable 242 Halm; TownsencTs translation.) 



MSOP 99 

THE LION AND THE HARE 

A LION came across a Hare, who was fast asleep on her form. He 
was just in the act of seizing her, when a fine young Hart 
trotted by, and he left the Hare to follow him. The Hare, scared 
by the noise, awoke, and scudded away. The Lion was not able after 
a long chase to catch the Hart, and returned to feed upon the Hare. 
On finding that the Hare also had run off, he said, "I am rightly served, 
for having let go the food that I had in my hand for the chance of 
obtaining more." 

(Fable 254 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE LION, THE WOLF AND THE FOX 

A LION, growing old, lay sick in his cave. All the beasts came 
to visit their king, except the Fox. The Wolf therefore, think- 
ing that he had a capital opportunity, accused the Fox to the Lion 
for not paying any respect to him who had the rule over them all, and 
for not coming to visit him. At that very moment the Fox came in, 
and heard these last words of the Wolf. The Lion roaring out in a 
rage against him, he sought an opportunity to defend himself, and 
said, "And who of all those who have come to you have benefited you 
so much as I, who have travelled from place to place in every direction, 
and have sought and learnt from the physicians, the means of healing 
you?" The Lion commanded him immediately to tell him the cure, 
when he replied, "You must flay a wolf alive, and wrap his skin yet 
warm around you." The Wolf was at once taken and flayed ; whereon 
the Fox, turning to him, said, with a smile, "You should have moved 
your master not to ill, but to good will." 

(Fable 255 Halm; Toivnsend's translation.) 



100 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE LION, THE MOUSE AND THE FOX 

A LION, fatigued by the heat of a summer's day, fell fast asleep 
in his den. A Mouse ran over his mane and ears, and woke 
him from his slumbers. He rose up and shook himself in great 
wrath, and searched every corner of his den to find the Mouse. A 
Fox seeing him, said: "A fine Lion you are, to be frightened of a 
Mouse." 'Tis not the Mouse I fear," said the Lion; "I resent his 
familiarity and ill-breeding." 

Little liberties are great offences. 

(Fable 257 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE WILD ASS AND THE LION 

A WILD Ass and a Lion entered into an alliance that they might 
capture the beasts of the forest with the greater ease. The 
Lion agreed to assist the Wild Ass with his strength, while the Wild 
Ass gave the Lion the benefit of his greater speed. When they had 
taken as many beasts as their necessities required, the Lion undertook 
to distribute the prey, and for this purpose divided it into three shares. 
"I will take the first share," he said, "because I am King: and the 
second share, as a partner with you in the chase: and the third share, 
believe me, will be a source of great evil to you, unless you willingly 
resign it to me, and set off as fast as you can." 
Might makes right. 

(Fable 258 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 



,ESOP 101 

THE LION, JUPITER AND THE ELEPHANT 

THE Lion wearied Jupiter with his frequent complaints. "It is 
true," he said, "0 Jupiter! that I am gigantic in strength, hand- 
some in shape, and powerful in attack. I have jaws well provided 
with teeth, and feet furnished with claws, and I lord it over all the 
beasts of the forest; and what a disgrace it is, that being such as I 
am, I should be frightened by the crowing of a cock." Jupiter re- 
plied, "Why do you blame me without a cause? I have given you 
all the attributes which I possess myself, and your courage never fails 
you except in this one instance." On this the Lion groaned and 
lamented very much, and reproached himself with his cowardice, and 
wished that he might die. As these thoughts passed through his 
mind, he met an Elephant, and came near to hold a conversation with 
him. After a time he observed that the Elephant shook his ears 
very often, and he inquired what was the matter, and why his ears 
moved with such a tremor every now and then. Just at that mo- 
ment a gnat settled on the head of the Elephant, and he replied, "Do 
you see that little buzzing insect? If it enters my ear, my fate is 
sealed. I should die presently." The Lion said, "Well, since so 
huge a beast is afraid of a tiny gnat, I will no more complain, nor wish 
myself dead. I find myself, even as I am, better off than the Ele- 
phant, in that very same degree that a cock is greater than a gnat." 

(Fable 261 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE LION AND THE BULL 

A LION, greatly desirous to capture a Bull, and yet afraid to at- 
tack him on account of his great size, resorted to a trick to in- 
sure his destruction. He approached him and said, "I have slain a 



102 CLASSICAL FABLES 

fine sheep, my friend; and if you will come home and partake of him 
with me, I shall be delighted to have your company." The Lion 
said this in the hope that, as the Bull was in the act of reclining to 
eat, he might attack him to advantage, and make his meal on him. 
The Bull, however, on his approach to his den, saw the huge spits 
and giant cauldrons, and no sign whatever of the sheep, and, without 
saying a word, quietly took his departure. The Lion inquired why 
he went off so abruptly without a word of salutation to his host, who 
had not given him any cause of offence. "I have reasons enough," 
said the Bull. "I see no indication whatever of your having slaugh- 
tered a sheep, while I do see, very plainly, every preparation for your 
dining on a Bull." 

(Fable 262 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE WOLVES AND THE SHEEP-DOGS 

THE Wolves thus addressed the Sheep-dogs: "Why should 
you, who are like us in so many things, not be entirely of one 
mind with us, and live with us as brothers should? We differ from 
you in one point only. We live in freedom, but you bow down to, 
and slave for, men; who, in return for your services, flog you with 
whips, and put collars on your necks. They make you also guard 
their sheep, and while they eat the mutton throw only the bones to 
you. If you will be persuaded by us, you will give us the sheep, and 
we will enjoy them in common, till we all are surfeited." The Dogs 
listened favourably to these proposals, and, entering the den of the 
Wolves, they were set upon and torn to pieces. 

(Fable 266 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 



;esop 103 

the wolf and the lion 

A WOLF, roaming by the mountain's side, saw his own shadow, 
as the sun was setting, become greatly extended and magnified, 
and he said to himself, "Why should I, being of such an immense size, 
and extending nearly an acre in length, be afraid of the Lion? Ought 
I not to be acknowledged as King of all the collected beasts?" While 
he was indulging in these proud thoughts, a Lion fell upon him, and 
killed him. He exclaimed with a too late repentance, "Poor fool 
that I was! By thinking too well of myself I have brought about 
my own destruction." 

(Fable 280 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE PROPHET 

A WIZARD, sitting in the market-place, told the fortunes of the 
Passers-by. A person ran up in great haste, and announced 
to him that the doors of his house had been broken open, and that 
all his goods were being stolen. He sighed heavily, and hastened 
away as fast as he could run. A neighbour saw him running, and 
said, "Oh ! you fellow there ! you say you can foretell the fortunes of 
others; how is it you did not foresee your own?" 

(Fable 286 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE SPENDTHRIFT AND THE SWALLOW 

A YOUNG man, a great spendthrift, had run through all his patri- 
mony, and had but one good cloak left. He happened to see a 
Swallow, which had appeared before its season, skimming along a pool 



104 CLASSICAL FABLES 

and twittering gaily. He supposed that summer had come, and went 
and sold his cloak. Not many days after, the winter having set in 
again with renewed frost and cold, he found the unfortunate Swallow 
lifeless on the ground; and said, "Unhappy bird! what have you done? 
By thus appearing before the spring-time you have not only killed 
yourself, but you have wrought my destruction also." 

(Fable 304 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE BAT AND THE WEASELS 

A BAT falling upon the ground was caught by a Weasel, of whom 
he earnestly sought his life. The Weasel refused, saying that 
he was by nature the enemy of all birds. The Bat assured him that 
he was not a bird, but a mouse, and thus saved his life. Shortly 
afterwards the Bat again fell on the ground, and was caught by an- 
other Weasel, whom he likewise entreated not to eat him. The 
Weasel said that he had a special hostility to mice. The Bat assured 
him that he was not a mouse, but a bat; and thus a second time 
escaped. 

It is wise to turn circumstances to good account. 

(Fable 307 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE TRAVELLER AND FORTUNE 

A TRAVELLER, wearied with a long journey, lay down overcome 
with fatigue on the very brink of a deep well. Being within 
an inch of falling into the water, Dame Fortune, it is said, appeared 
to him, and waking him from his slumber, thus addressed him: 
"Good Sir, pray wake up : for had you fallen into the well, the blame 



7ES0P 105 

will be thrown on me, and I shall get an ill name among mortals; 
for I find that men are sure to impute their calamities to me, however 
much by their own folly they have really brought them on themselves." 
Every one is more or less master of his own fate. 

(Fable 316 Halm; Toivnsenffs translation.) 

THE ASS AND HIS PURCHASER 

A MAN wished to purchase an Ass, and agreed with its owner that 
he should try him before he bought him. He took the Ass 
home, and put him in the straw-yard with his other Asses, upon which 
he left all the others, and joined himself at once to the most idle and 
the greatest eater of them all. The man put a halter on him, and 
led him back to his owner; and on his inquiring how, in so short a 
time, he could have made a trial of him, "I do not need," he answered, 
"a trial; I know that he will be just such another as the one whom 
of all the rest he chose for his companion." 
A man is known by the company he keeps. 

(Fable 320 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE ASS AND THE FROGS 

AN Ass, carrying a load of wood, passed through a pond. As he 
was crossing through the water he lost his footing, and stumbled 
and fell, and not being able to rise on account of his load, he groaned 
heavily. Some Frogs frequenting the pool heard his lamentation, 



106 CLASSICAL FABLES 

and said, "What would you do if you had to live here always as we 
do, when you make such a fuss about a mere fall into the water?" 

Men often bear little grievances with less courage than they do 
large misfortunes. 

(Fable 327 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE ASS AND THE WOLF 

AN Ass, feeding in a meadow, saw a Wolf, approaching to seize 
him, and immediately pretended to be lame. The Wolf, com- 
ing up, inquired the cause of his lameness. The Ass said, that pass- 
ing through a hedge he trod with his foot upon a sharp thorn, and 
requested the Wolf to pull it out, lest when he supped on him it 
should injure his throat. The Wolf consenting, and lifting up his 
foot, and giving his whole mind to the discovery of the thorn, the 
Ass with his heels kicked his teeth into his mouth, and galloped 
away. The Wolf, being thus fearfully mauled, said, "I am rightly 
served, for why did I attempt the art of healing, when my father 
only taught me the trade of a butcher?" 

(Fable 334 b. Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE HEN AND THE SWALLOW 

A HEN finding the eggs of a viper, and carefully keeping them 
warm, nourished them into life. A Swallow observing what 
she had done, said, "You silly creature! why have you hatched these 
vipers, which, when they shall have grown, will inflict injury on all, 
beginning with yourself?" 

(Fable 342 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 



7ES0F 107 

THE SWOLLEN FOX 

A FOX, very much famished, seeing some bread and meat left by 
shepherds in the hollow of an oak, crept into the hole and made 
a hearty meal. When he finished, he was so full that he was not 
able to get out, and began to groan and lament very sadly. Another 
Fox passing by, heard his cries, and coming up, inquired the cause 
of his complaining. On learning what had happened, he said to 
him, "Ah, you will have to remain there, my friend, until you become 
such as you were when you crept in, and then you will easily get out." 

(Fable 31 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 

THE FISHERMEN 

SOME Fishermen were out trawling their nets. Perceiving them 
to be very heavy, they danced about for joy, and supposed that 
they had taken a large draught of fish. When they had dragged the 
nets to the shore they found but few fish, and that the nets were full 
of sand and stones ; and they were beyond measure cast down — not so 
much at the disappointment which had befallen them, as because 
they had formed such very different expectations. One of their com- 
pany, an old man, said, "Let us cease lamenting, my mates, for, as it 
seems to me, sorrow is always the twin sister of joy; and it was only 
to be looked for that we, who just now were over-rejoiced, should next 
have something to make us sad." 

Storms often gather from a clear sky. 

(Fable 23 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 



108 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE FOX AND THE BRAMBLE 

A FOX, mounting a hedge, when he was about to fall caught hold of 
a bramble. Having pricked and grievously torn the soles of 
his feet, he accused the Bramble, because, when he had fled to her for 
assistance, she had used him worse than the hedge itself. The 
Bramble, interrupting him, said, "But you really must have been out 
of your senses to fasten yourself on me, who am myself always ac- 
customed to fasten upon others." 

It is folly to expect aid and comfort from those who have habitually 
wrought us mischief. 

(Fable 32 Halm ; Townsend's translation.) 

THE GAME-COCKS AND THE PARTRIDGE 

A MAN had two Game-cocks in his poultry-yard. One day by 
chance he fell in with a tame Partridge for sale. He purchased 
it, and brought it home that it might be reared with his Game-cocks. 
On its being put into the poultry-yard they struck at it, and followed 
it about, so that the Partridge was grievously troubled in mind, and 
supposed that he was thus evilly treated because he was a stranger. 
Not long afterwards he saw the Cocks fighting together, and not sepa- 
rating before one had well beaten the other. He then said to him- 
self, "I shall no longer distress myself at being struck at by these 
Game-cocks, when I see that they cannot even refrain from quarrelling 
with each other." 

(Fable 22 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 



v^SOP 109 

THE OWL AND TOE BIRDS 

AN Owl, in her wisdom, counselled the Birds, when the acorn 
first began to sprout, to pull it up by all means out of the 
ground, and not to allow it to grow, because it would produce 
the mistletoe, from which an irremediable poison, the bird-lime, 
would be extracted, by which they would be captured. The 
Owl next advised them to pluck up the seed of the flax, which 
men had sown, as it was a plant which boded no good to them for 
nets would be made from it. And, lastly, the Owl, seeing an archer 
approach, predicted that this man, being on foot, would contrive 
darts armed with feathers, which should fly faster than the wings of 
the Birds themselves. The Birds gave no credence to these warn- 
ing words, but considered the Owl to be beside herself, and said that 
she was mad. But afterwards, finding her words were true, they 
wondered at her knowledge, and deemed her to be the wisest of birds. 
Hence it is that when she appears they resort to her as knowing all 
things ; while she no longer gives them advice, but in solitude laments 
their past folly. 

(Fable 105 Halm; Townsend's translation.) 



PART II 
BABRIUS 




PART II— BABRIUS 

THE FROG AND THE OX 

|N Ox, grazing in a swampy meadow, chanced to set 
his foot among a parcel of young frogs, and crushed 
nearly the whole brood to death. One that es- 
caped ran off to his mother with the dreadful news ; 
"And, mother!" said he, "it was a beast — such 
a big fourfooted beast! — that did it." "Big?" quoth the old Frog, 
"how big? was it as big" — and she puffed herself out to a great de- 
gree — "as big as this?" "Oh!" said the little one, "a great deal 
bigger than that." "Well, was it so big?" and she swelled herself 
out yet more. "Indeed, mother, but it was; and if you were to 
burst yourself, you would never reach half its size." Provoked at 
such a disparagement of her powers, the old Frog made one more 
trial, and burst herself indeed. 

So men are ruined by attempting a greatness to which they have 
no claim. 

(Babrius, Fable 28; Thomas James' translation.) 



THE ARAB AND THE CAMEL 

AN Arab having loaded his Camel, asked him whether he pre- 
ferred to go up hill or down hill. "Pray, Master," said the 
Camel dryly, "is the straight way across the plain shut up?" 

(Babrius, Fable 8; Thomas James" translation.) 
113 



114 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE HARE AJNfD THE HOUND 

A HOUND having put up a Hare from a bush, chased her for some 
distance, but the Hare had the best of it, and got off. A 
Goatherd who was coming by jeered at the Hound, saying that Puss 
was the better runner of the two. "You forget," replied the Hound, 
"that it is one thing to be running for your dinner, and another for 
your life." 

(Babrius, Fable 69; Thomas lames' translation.) 

THE FARMER AND THE CRANE 

SOME Cranes settled down in a Farmer's field that was newly sown. 
For some time the Farmer frightened them away by brandish- 
ing an empty sling at them. But when the Cranes found that he 
was only slinging to the winds, they no longer minded him, nor flew 
away. Upon this the Farmer slung at them with stones, and killed 
a great part of them. "Let us be off," said the rest, "to the land of 
the Pygmies, for this man means to threaten us no longer, but is de- 
termined to get rid of us in earnest." 

(Babrius, Fable 26; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE HUNTER AND THE FISHERMAN 

A HUNTER was returning from the mountains loaded with game, 
and a Fisherman was at the same time coming home with his 
creel full of fish, when they chanced to meet by the way. The Hunter 
took a fancy to a dish of fish : The Fisher preferred a supper of game. 



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" 'IT IS ONE THING TO BE RUNNING FOR YOUR DINNER, AND ANOTHER FOR 

YOUR LIFE.'" 

—Page lilt 



BABRIUS 115 



So each gave to the other the contents of his own basket. And thus 
they continued daily to exchange provisions, till one who had ob- 
served them said: "Now, by this invariable interchange, will they 
destroy the zest of their meal ; and each will soon wish to return to his 
own store again." 

(Babrius, Fable 61; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE BEEVES AND THE BUTCHERS 

THE Beeves, once on a time, determined to make an end of the 
Butchers, whose whole art, they said, was conceived for their 
destruction. So they assembled together, and had already whetted 
their horns for the contest, when a very old Ox, who had long worked 
at the plough, thus addressed them: — "Have a care, my friends, what 
you do. These men, at least, kill us with decency and skill, but if 
we fall into the hands of botchers instead of butchers, we shall suffer 
a double death; for be well assured, men will not go without beef, 
even though they were without butchers." 

Better to bear the ills we have, than fly to others that we know 
not of. 

(Babrius, Fable 21; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE DOG AND HIS MASTER 

A CERTAIN Man was setting out on a journey, when, seeing his 
Dog standing at the door, he cried out to him, "What are you 
gaping about? Get ready to come with me." The Dog, wagging 
his tail, said, "I am all right, Master; it is you who have to pack up." 

(Babrius, Fable 110; Thomas James' translation.) 



116 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES 

THERE was a brood of young Larks in a field of corn, which was 
just ripe, and the mother, looking every day for the reapers, left 
word, whenever she went out in search of food, that her young ones 
should report to her all the news they heard. One day, while she 
was absent the master came to look at the state of the crop. "It is 
full time," said he, "to call in all my neighbours and get my corn 
reaped." When the old Lark came home, the young ones told their 
mother what they had heard, and begged her to remove them forth- 
with. "Time enough," said she; "if he trusts to his neighbours, 
he will have to wait awhile yet for his harvest." Next day, however, 
the owner came again, and finding the sun still hotter and the corn 
more ripe, and nothing done, "There is not a moment to be lost," 
said he; "we cannot depend upon our neighbours: we must call in 
our relations;" and, turning to his son, "Go call your uncles and 
cousins, and see that they begin to-morrow." In still greater fear, 
the young ones repeated to their mother the farmer's words. "If 
that be all," says she, "do not be frightened, for the relations have got 
harvest work of their own; but take particular notice what you hear 
the next time, and be sure you let me know." She went abroad the 
next day, and the owner coming as before, and finding the grain falling 
to the ground from over-ripeness, and still no one at work, called to his 
son. "We must wait for our neighbours and friends no longer; do 
you go and hire some reapers to-night, and we will set to work our- 
selves to-morrow." When the young ones told their mother this — 
"Then," said she, "it is time to be off, indeed; for when a man takes 



BABRIUS 117 



up his business himself, instead of leaving it to others, you may be 
sure that he means to set to work in earnest." 

(Babrius, Fable 88; Thomas lames' translation.) 

THE LION AND THE EAGLE 

AN Eagle stayed his flight, and entreated a Lion to make an 
alliance with him to their mutual advantage. The Lion re- 
plied, "I have no objection, but you must excuse me for requiring 
you to find surety for your good faith ; for how can I trust any one as 
a friend, who is able to fly away from his bargain whenever he 
pleases?" 

Try before you trust. 

(Babrius, Fable 100; TownseruPs translation.) 

JUPITER AND THE MONKEY 

JUPITER issued a proclamation to all the beasts of the forest, and 
promised a royal reward to the one whose offspring should be 
deemed the handsomest. The Monkey came with the rest, and pre- 
sented, with all a mother's tenderness, a flat-nosed, hairless, ill- 
featured young Monkey as a candidate for the promised reward. A 
general laugh saluted her on the presentation of her son. She reso- 
lutely said, "I know not whether Jupiter will allot the prize to my 
son ; but this I do know, that he is at least in the eyes of me, his mother, 
the dearest, handsomest, and most beautiful of all." 

(Babrius, Fable 56; Townsend's translation.) 



118 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE PLAYFUL ASS 

AN ASS climbed up to the roof of a building, and frisking about 
there, broke in the tiling. The owner went up after him, and 
quickly drove him down, beating him severely with a thick wooden 
cudgel. The Ass said, "Why, I saw the Monkey do this very thing 
yesterday, and you all laughed heartily, as if it afforded you very 
great amusement." 

Those who do not know their right place must be taught it. 

(Babrius, Fable 125; Townsend's translation.) 

THE BIRD-CATCHER, THE PARTRIDGE AND THE COCK 

A BIRD-CATCHER was about to sit down to a dinner of herbs, 
when a friend unexpectedly came in. The bird-trap was quite 
empty, as he had caught nothing. He proceeded to kill a pied Par- 
tridge, which he had tamed for a decoy. He entreated thus earnestly 
for his life: "What would you do without me when next you spread 
your nets? Who would chirp you to sleep, or call for you the covey 
of answering birds?" The Bird-catcher spared his life, and deter- 
mined to pick out a fine young Cock just attaining to his comb. He 
thus expostulated in piteous tones from his perch: "If you kill me, 
who will announce to you the appearance of the dawn? Who will 
wake you to your daily tasks? or tell you when it is time to visit the 
bird-trap in the morning?" He replied, "What you say is true. 
You are a capital bird at telling the time of day. But I and the friend 
who has come in must have our dinners." 
Necessity knows no law. 

(Babrius, Fable 124; Townsend's translation.) 



BABRIUS 119 



THE MOUSE AND THE BULL 

A BULL was bitten by a Mouse, and, pained by the wound, tried 
to capture him. The Mouse first reached his hole in safety, 
and the Bull dug into the walls with his horns, until wearied, crouch- 
ing down, he slept by the hole. The Mouse peeping out, crept fur- 
tively up his flank, and, again biting him, retreated to his hole. The 
Bull rising up, and not knowing what to do, was sadly perplexed. 
The Mouse murmured forth, "The great do not always prevail. 
There are times when the small and lowly are the strongest to do 
mischief." 

(Babrius, Fable 112; Townsend's translation.) 



PART III. A. 
PH^EDRUS 




PART III. A.— PH^DRUS 

THE FROGS ASKING FOR A KING 

[N the days of old, when the Frogs were all at liberty 
in the lakes, and had grown quite weary of following 
every one his own devices, they assembled one 
day together, and with no little clamour petitioned 
Jupiter to let them have a King to keep them in 
better order, and make them lead honester lives. Jupiter knowing 
the vanity of their hearts, smiled at their request, and threw down a 
Log into the lake, which by the splash and commotion it made, sent 
the whole commonwealth into the greatest terror and amazement. 
They rushed under the water and into the mud, and dared not come 
within ten leaps' length of the spot where it lay. At length one 
Frog bolder than the rest ventured to pop his head above the water, 
and take a survey of their new King at a respectful distance. Pres- 
ently, when they perceived the Log to lie stock-still, others began to 
swim up to it and around it; till by degrees, growing bolder and 
bolder, they at last leaped upon it, and treated it with the greatest 
contempt. Dissatisfied with so tame a ruler, they forthwith peti- 
tioned Jupiter a second time for another and more active King. 
Upon which he sent them a Stork, who no sooner arrived among them 
than he began laying hold of them and devouring them one by one 
as fast as he could, and it was in vain that they endeavoured to escape 
him. Then they sent Mercury with a private message to Jupiter, be- 

123 



124 CLASSICAL FABLES 

seeching him that he would take pity on them once more; but Jupiter 
replied, that they were only suffering the punishment due to their 
folly, and that another time they would learn to let well alone, and 
not be dissatisfied with their natural condition. 

{Phcedrus, Fables, Vol, 1, No. 2; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE VAIN JACKDAW 

A JACKDAW, as vain and conceited as Jackdaw could be, picked 
up the feathers which some Peacocks had shed, stuck them 
amongst his own, and despising his old companions, introduced him- 
self with the greatest assurance into a flock of those beautiful birds. 
They, instantly detecting the intruder, stripped him of his borrowed 
plumes, and falling upon him with their beaks, sent him about his 
business. The unlucky Jackdaw, sorely punished and deeply sor- 
rowing, betook himself to his former companions, and would have 
flocked with them again as if nothing had happened. But they, recol- 
lecting what airs he had given himself, drummed him out of their 
society, while one of those whom he had so lately despised, read him 
this lecture: — "Had you been contented with what nature made you: 
— you would have escaped the chastisement of your betters and also 
the contempt of your equals." 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. I, No. 3; Thomas James* translation.) 

THE COW, THE GOAT, THE SHEEP AND THE LION 

THE Cow, the Goat and the unresentful Sheep once formed a 
partnership with the Lion in his native jungle. One day, when 
they had run down a large Stag and divided it into four parts, the 



PH^DRUS 125 



Lion spoke as follows: 

"I naturally take the first part because I am named the Lion; 
you will give me the second part as a tribute to my courage; then, 
since I am the strongest, the third part comes to me anyway; and woe 
betide any one of you who meddles with the fourth!" And thus he 
unblushingly appropriated the entire Stag for himself. 

Do not expect justice where might is right. 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. I, No. 5.) 

THE FOX AND THE MASK 

A FOX had stolen into the house of an actor, and in rummaging 
among his various properties, laid hold of a highly-finished 
Mask. "A fine-looking head, indeed!" cried he; "what a pity it is 
that it wants brains!" 

A fair outside is but a poor substitute for inward worth. 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. I, No. 7; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE HARE AND THE SPARROW 

A HARE had been seized by an Eagle, and was squeaking pitifully, 
when a passing Sparrow asked with a sneer, "What has be- 
come of your famous speed, friend Hare? what was the matter with 
your legs?" These words were hardly out of the Sparrow's mouth, 
when a Hawk snatched him up unaware and quickly silenced his vain 
outcry. The dying Hare found comfort in this sight. "Ah, friend 
Sparrow," she said, "you who just now thought that you could safely 
laugh at my misfortune have fallen victim to the same cruel fate!" 
It is foolish to advise others if you cannot take care of yourself. 
(Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. I, No. 9.) 



126 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE MONKEY HOLDING COURT 

THE Wolf once accused the Fox of having robbed him. The 
Fox denied that she had stolen anything. The two were 
brought before Judge Monkey to decide between them. When each 
in turn had stated his side of the case, the Monkey rendered judg- 
ment as follows : 

"It is evident, Mr. Wolf, that you have not lost what you ask back! 
But it is equally evident, Mrs. Fox, that you did take what you so 
glibly deny!" 

Whoever once earns a reputation for lying will not be believed even 
when he tells the truth. 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. I, No. 10.) 

THE STAG AT THE POOL 

A STAG one summer's day came to a pool to quench his thirst, and 
as he stood drinking he saw his form reflected in the water. 
"What beauty and strength," said he, "are in these horns of mine; 
but how unseemly are these weak and slender feet!" While he was 
thus criticising, after his own fancies, the form which Nature had 
given him, the huntsmen and hounds drew that way. The feet, with 
which he had found so much fault, soon carried him out of the reach 
of his pursuers; but the horns, of which he was so vain, becoming 
entangled in a thicket, held him till the hunters again came up to him, 
and proved the cause of his death. 
Look to use before ornament. 

{Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. I, No. 12; Thomas James' translation.) 



PILEDRUS 127 



THE COBBLER TURNED DOCTOR 

A CLUMSY and unsuccessful Cobbler, rendered desperate by pov- 
erty, went to a strange town and began to practise medicine. 
He sold a drug which he falsely claimed was an antidote for all poisons, 
and obtained a great reputation, thanks to his high-sounding adver- 
tisements. It happened that the Mayor of the town, finding him- 
self indisposed, sent for this new Doctor; but deciding first to put 
him to a test, he called for a cup and while pouring in water pre- 
tended that he was mixing poison with the Cobbler's antidote, and 
proposed that they should drink it together on a wager. Hereupon 
the Cobbler under fear of death confessed that he had no skill in the 
art of medicine, and owed his fame only to the credulity of the crowd. 
The Mayor forthwith called a public meeting, and thus addressed the 
citizens : 

"Consider the folly of which you have been guilty ! You have not 
hesitated to entrust your lives to a man whom no one would trust 
even to make the shoes for their feet." 

(Phccdrus, Fables, Vol. I, No. 14.) 

THE ASS AND THE OLD SHEPHERD 

A SHEPHERD watched his Ass feeding in a meadow. Being 
alarmed on a sudden by the cries of the enemy, he appealed 
to the Ass to fly with him, lest they should both be captured. He 
lazily replied, "Why should I, pray? Do you think it likely the con- 
querer will place on me two sets of panniers?" "No," rejoined the 



128 CLASSICAL FABLES 

Shepherd. "Then," said the Ass, "as long as I carry the panniers, 
what matters it to me whom I serve?" 

In a change of government the poor change nothing beyond the 
name of their master. 

(Phtedrus, Fables, Vol. I, No. 15; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE STAG AND THE SHEEP 

THE Stag once asked the Sheep to lend him a measure of wheat, 
saying that the Wolf would guarantee payment. The Sheep, 
suspecting trickery, replied: "The Wolf is a lawless beast, forever 
plundering and running off; while you yourself are so swift that one 
moment you are here and the next moment out of sight. How should 
I find you when the day of payment comes?" 

The word of two rogues is no better than the word of one. 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. I, No. 16.) 

THE PUPPIES AND THEIR MOTHER 

THE proud Mother of a family of new-born Puppies asked a sister 
Dog to let her occupy her kennel for a few days. The other, 
good-naturedly, moved out and gave her possession. After some days 
had passed, and she wanted her kennel back, the other pleaded piti- 
fully for a further extension of time, until the Puppies should be 
strong enough to walk out by themselves. When this time also had 
passed, and her friend came once more to demand back the kennel, 
she faced her defiantly in the doorway : "If you think you are a match 



PH^DRUS 129 



forme and my stalwart sons," she said, "come ahead and put us out!" 
A smooth tongue often covers a false heart. 

(Phoedrus, Fables, Vol. I, No. 19.) 

THE OLD LION 

A LION worn out with years lay stretched upon the ground, ut- 
terly helpless, and drawing his last breath. A Boar came 
up, and to satisfy an ancient grudge, drove at him with his tusks. 
Next a Bull, determined to be revenged on an old enemy, gored him 
with his horns. Upon this an Ass, seeing that the old Lion could 
thus be treated with impunity, thought that he would show his spite 
also, and came and threw his heels in the Lion's face. Whereupon 
the dying beast exclaimed: "The insults of the powerful were bad 
enough, but those I could have managed to bear; but to be spurned by 
so base a creature as thou — the disgrace of nature, is to die a double 
death." 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. I, No. 21 ; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE FAITHFUL DOG 

A THIEF in the night threw a piece of bread to a Dog, hoping 
to make friends with him by this offer of food. "Listen, 
stranger," said the Dog, "if you think you can silence my tongue and 
keep me from barking to warn my Master, you are much mistaken. 
This sudden friendliness on your part warns me to keep my eyes 
wide open so that you shall not be the richer through any fault of 
mine." 

Sudden generosity may please the foolish, but it sets its traps in 
vain for the wary. 

{Phoedrus, Fables, Vol. I, No. 23.) 



130 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE DOG AND THE CROCODILE 

THE story goes that when Dogs drink from the River Nile, they 
keep on running while they drink, so that the Crocodiles can- 
not catch them. Accordingly, when a certain Dog began to drink 
as he ran, a Crocodile said to him : 

"Don't be afraid, — come on in, and lap the water up at your 
leisure." 

"Nothing I should like better," replied the Dog, "if I did not know 
just how hungrily you are eyeing me." 

Those who give bad advice to cautious men waste their time and 
make themselves ridiculous. 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Book I, No. 25.) 

THE FROGS AND THE FIGHTING BULLS 

A FROG, sitting at the edge of a swamp, was watching a battle 
between two Bulls in an adjoining field. "Alas! what deadly 
danger threatens us," he said. Another Frog, overhearing him, 
asked what he meant, when the Bulls were merely fighting to decide 
which should lead the herd, and the cattle passed their lives quite 
apart from the home of the Frogs. "It is true," rejoined the first 
Frog, "that they 1 - are a different race and live apart from us. But 
whichever Bull is beaten and driven from his leadership in the woods 
will come to find some secret hiding place; and 1 fear that many of 
us will be trampled to pieces under his hard hoofs. That is why I 
say that their battle means death and destruction to us." 
When the mighty quarrel, the humble pay the cost. 

{Phuedrus, Fables, Vol. I, No. 30.) 




'ALAS, WHAT DEADLY DANGER THREATENS US!' " 



-Page ISO 



PH^DRUS 131 



THE KITE AND THE PIGEONS 

SOME Pigeons had long lived in fear of a Kite, but by being al- 
ways on the alert, and keeping near their dove-cote, they had 
contrived hitherto to escape the attacks of the enemy. Finding his 
sallies unsuccessful, the Kite betook himself to craft: "Why," said 
he, "do you prefer this life of continual anxiety, when, if you would 
only make me your king, I would secure you from every attack that 
could be made upon you?" The Pigeons, trusting to his professions, 
called him to the throne ; but no sooner was he established there than 
he exercised his prerogative by devouring a pigeon a-day. Where- 
upon one that yet awaited his turn, said no more than "It serves us 
right." 

They who voluntarily put power into the hand of a tyrant or an 
enemy, must not wonder if it be at last turned against themselves. 

(Phcednis, Fables, Vol. I, No. 31; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE EAGLE, THE CAT AND THE WILD SOW 

AN Eagle had made her nest at the top of a tall oak. A Cat, 
having found a convenient hole in the middle of the trunk, 
placed her kittens there; and a Wild Sow had found shelter for her 
young in another hollow at its foot. Before long the Cat decided 
to destroy the peace of this community by cruel trickery. As part 
of her plan, she climbed up to the nest of the Eagle and said: 

"Destruction is threatening you, and probably me too, for the Wild 
Sow, whom you see daily rooting in the ground, is planning to up- 
root and overthrow this oak so that she may find an easy prey in your 
young ones and mine." 



132 CLASSICAL FABLES 

Having thus spread terror and confusion in the Eagle's nest, she 
crept down to the lair of the bristly Wild Sow. 

"Your little Porkers," said she, "are in great danger. For the 
very next time that you take your little family out to feed the Eagle 
is prepared to swoop down and carry them off." 

Leaving consternation behind her in the Sow's lair, the crafty 
Cat hid herself in the safe recesses of her own hole, stealing out 
only at night time, with noiseless tread, to find food for herself and 
Kittens. But all day long she pretended to be in mortal fear, and kept 
a crafty look-out from her lofty hollow. Meanwhile, the Eagle, fear- 
ing destruction, fasted in the top branches ; while the Wild Sow, dread- 
ing invasion, dared not put her snout out of her lair. Before long 
the two mothers and their families perished from hunger, and af- 
forded an ample feast for the Cat and her Kittens. 

This stupid credulity bears witness to the wide-spread havoc that 
can be wrought by a man with a false tongue. 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. II, No. 4.) 

THE MULES AND THE ROBBERS 

TWO Mules, well laden with packs, were trudging along. One 
carried panniers filled with money, the other sacks weighted 
with grain. The Mule carrying the treasure walked with head erect, 
as if conscious of the value of his burden, and tossed up and down 
the clear toned bells fastened to his neck. His companion followed 
with quiet and easy step. All on a sudden Robbers rushed from 
their hiding-places upon them, and in the scuffle with their owners, 
wounded with a sword the Mule carrying the treasure, which they 



PH^EDRUS 133 



greedily seized upon, while they took no notice of the grain. The 
Mule which had been robbed and wounded, bewailed his misfortunes. 
The other replied, "I am indeed glad that I was thought so little of, 
for I have lost nothing, nor am I hurt with any wound." 

Better an humble lot with security than great wealth beset with 
dangers. 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. II, No. 7 ; Townsend's translation.) 

THE STAG IN THE OX-STALL 

A HUNTED Stag, driven out of covert and distracted by fear, 
made for the first farm-house he saw, and hid himself in an Ox- 
stall which happened to be open. As he was trying to conceal him- 
self under the straw, "What can you mean," said an Ox, "by run- 
ning into such certain destruction as to trust yourself to the haunts 
of man?" "Only do you not betray me," said the Stag, "and I 
shall be off again on the first opportunity." Evening came on; the 
herdsman foddered the cattle, but observed nothing. The other 
farm-servants came in and out. The Stag was still safe. Presently 
the bailiff passed through; all seemed right. The Stag now feeling 
himself quite secure began to thank the Oxen for their hospitality. 
"Wait awhile," said one of them, "we indeed wish you well, but 
there is yet another person, one with a hundred eyes; if he should 
happen to come this way I fear your life will be still in jeopardy." 
While he was speaking, the Master, having finished his supper, came 
round to see that all was safe for the night, for he thought that his 
cattle had not of late looked as well as they ought. Going up to the 
rack, "Why so little fodder here?" says he; "Why is there not more 
straw?" And "How long, I wonder, would it take to sweep down 



134 CLASSICAL FABLES 

these cobwebs!" Prying and observing, here and there and every- 
where, the Stag's antlers, jutting from out the straw, caught his eye, 
and calling in his servants he instantly made prize of him. 
No eye like the Master's eye. 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. II, No. 8; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE OLD HOUND 

A HOUND, who had been an excellent one in his time, and had 
done good service to his master in the field, at length became 
worn out with the weight of years and trouble. One day, when hunt- 
ing the wild Boar, he seized the creature by the ear, but his teeth giv- 
ing way, he was forced to let go his hold, and the Boar escaped. Upon 
this the huntsman, coming up, severely rated him. But the feeble 
Dog replied, "Spare your old servant! It was the power not the 
will that failed me. Remember rather what I was, than abuse me 
for what I am." 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. 5, No. 10; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE OLD WOMAN AND THE WINE-JAR 

AN Old Woman saw an empty Wine-jar lying on the ground. 
Though not a drop of the noble Falernian, with which it had 
been filled, remained, it still yielded a grateful fragrance to the 
passers-by. The Old Woman, applying her nose as close as she 
could and snuffing with all her might and main, exclaimed, "Sweet 
creature! how charming must your contents once have been, when 
the very dregs are so delicious!" 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. Ill, No. 1; Thomas James' translation.) 



PH^DRUS 135 



THE PANTHER AND THE SHEPHERDS 

A PANTHER, by some mischance, fell into a pit. The Shepherds 
discovered him, and threw sticks at him, and pelted him with 
stones, while some of them, moved with compassion towards one about 
to die even though no one should hurt him, threw in some food to pro- 
long his life. At night they returned home, not dreaming of any 
danger, but supposing that on the morrow they should find him dead. 
The Panther, however, when he had recruited his feeble strength, 
freed himself with a sudden bound from the pit, and hastened home 
with rapid steps to his den. After a few days he came forth and 
slaughtered the cattle, and, killing the Shepherds who had attacked 
him, raged with angry fury. Then they who had spared his life, 
fearing for their safety, surrendered to him their flocks, and begged 
only for their lives; to whom the Panther made this reply: "I re- 
member alike those who sought my life with stones, and those who 
gave me food — lay aside, therefore, your fears. I return as an enemy 
only to those who injured me." 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. Ill, No. 2; Townsend's translation.) 

THE MONKEY'S FACE 

ONE day a Man was passing by a butcher's shop, when he hap- 
pened to see the body of a Monkey hanging there among the 
other kinds of meat and game. Out of curiosity, he stopped and 
asked the butcher if he could tell him what Monkey tasted like. The 
butcher replied jokingly, "The best way to judge of any one's tastes 
is from the expression of the face!" 



136 CLASSICAL FABLES 

This answer is more clever than it is true. For many a handsome 
face cloaks evil dispositions, and homely features often go with a 
kindly nature. 

(Phuedrus, Fables, Vol. Ill, No. 4.) 

7ES0? AND THE YOUNG ROWDY 

A CERTAIN Young Rowdy once shied a stone and struck .ZEsop. 
"Good shot!" said the old man, and gave the boy a penny, 
adding, "That's all I've got, on my word. But I'll show you a way 
to get more. Do you see that man coming there? he's rich and im- 
portant! if you can hit him as you did me you will get the reward 
you deserve." The Young Rowdy thought this good advice and 
followed it, but was disappointed at the result of his shameless impu- 
dence, for he found himself arrested and properly punished by the 
court. 

A little success has led many a man to his ruin. 

(Phazdrus, Fables, Vol. Ill, No. 5.) 

THE FLY AND THE DRAUGHT-MULE 

A FLY sat on the axle-tree of a chariot, and addressing the Draught- 
mule said, "How slow you are! Why do you not go faster? 
See if I do not prick your neck with my sting." The Draught-mule 
replied, "I do not heed your threats; I only care for him who sits above 
you, and who quickens my pace with his whip, or holds me back with 
the reins. Away, therefore, with your insolence, for I know well 
when to go fast, and when to go slow." 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. HI, No. 6; Townsend's translation.) 



PH^EDRUS 137 



THE HOUSE-DOG AND THE WOLF 

A LEAN hungry Wolf chanced one moonshiny night to fall in 
with a plump well-fed House-Dog. After the first compliments 
were passed between them, "How is it, my friend," said the Wolf, 
"that you look so sleek ? Mow well your food agrees with you ! And 
here am I striving for my living night and day, and can hardly save 
myself from starving." "Well," says the Dog, "if you would fare 
like me, you have only to do as I do." "Indeed!" says he, "and 
what is that?" "Why," replies the Dog, "just to guard the master's 
house and keep off the thieves at night." "With all my heart; for at 
present I have but a sorry time of it. This woodland life, with its 
frosts and rains, is sharp work for me. To have a warm roof over 
my head and a bellyful of victuals always at hand will, methinks, be no 
bad exchange." "True," says the Dog; "therefore you have nothing 
to do but to follow me." Now as they were jogging on together, the 
Wolf spied a mark in the Dog's neck, and having a strange curiosity, 
could not forbear asking what it meant. "Pooh! nothing at all," 
says the Dog. "Nay, but pray" — says the Wolf. "Oh! a mere 
trifle, perhaps the collar to which my chain is fastened — " "Chain !" 
cries the Wolf in surprise; "you don't mean to say that you cannot 
rove when and where you please?" "Why, not exactly perhaps; 
you see I am looked upon as rather fierce, so they sometimes tie me 
up in the day-time, but I assure you I have perfect liberty at night, 
and the master feeds me off his own plate, and the servants give me 
their tit-bits, and I am such a favourite, and — but what is the matter? 
where are you going?" "Oh, good night to you," says the Wolf; 



138 CLASSICAL FABLES 

"you are welcome to your dainties ; but for me, a dry crust with liberty 
against a king's luxury with a chain." 

(Phoedrus, Fables, Vol. Ill, No. 7; Thomas James' translation.) 

THE CRIPPLE AND THE BULLY 

A CERTAIN Bully once tried to pick a quarrel with a Cripple, and 
in addition to bad language and insulting remarks, jeered at 
him for his bodily affliction. The Cripple replied: 

"The loss of a limb is only a reason why I should strive the harder 
to do my part of the world's work. But why, poor fool, do you jeer 
at my misfortune? There is no shame in the accidents of chance, 
but only in the consequence of our own misdeeds." 

{Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. Ill, No. 11.) 

THE BEES, THE DRONES AND THE WASP 

SOME Bees had built their comb in the hollow trunk of an oak. 
The Drones asserted that it was their doing, and belonged to 
them. The cause was brought into court before Judge Wasp. 
Knowing something of the parties, he thus addressed them: — "The 
plaintiffs and defendants are so much alike in shape and colour as 
to render the ownership a doubtful matter, and the case has very 
properly been brought before me. The ends of justice, and the ob- 
ject of the court, will best be furthered by the plan which I propose. 
Let each party take a hive to itself, and build up a new comb, that 
from the shape of the cells and the taste of the honey, the lawful 
proprietors of the property in dispute may appear." The Bees read- 
ily assented to the Wasp's plan. The Drones declined it. Where- 



PH^DRUS 139 



upon the Wasp gave judgment: — "It is clear now who made the 
comb, and who cannot make it; the Court adjudges the honey to 
the Bees." 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. HI, No. 13; Thomas James' translation.) 

^SOP AT PLAY 

AN Athenian one day found ./Esop at play with a company 
of little boys, and began to jeer and laugh at him for it. The 
old fellow, who was too much of a joker himself to suffer others to 
ridicule him, took a bow, unstrung it and laid it upon the ground. 
Then, addressing his critic, he said: 

"Now, Philosopher, explain this riddle, if you can, and tell us the 
meaning of that unstrung bow." 

The man, after racking his brain, and scratching his head for a 
considerable time, to no purpose, at last gave it up and said that he 
could not solve the riddle. 

"Why," said ^sop, laughing, "if you keep a bow always bent, it 
will presently break ; but if you let it go slack, it will be ready for use 
when you need it." 

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. 

{Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. Ill, No. 14; from Bussey's Fables Original and Selected.) 

THE GRASSHOPPER AND THE OWL 

AN Owl, accustomed to feed at night and to sleep during the day, 
was greatly disturbed by the noise of a Grasshopper, and ear- 
nestly besought her to leave off chirping. The Grasshopper refused 
to desist, and chirped louder and louder the more the Owl entreated. 



140 CLASSICAL FABLES 

The Owl, when she saw that she could get no redress, and that her 
words were despised, attacked the chatterer by a stratagem. "Since 
I cannot sleep," she said, "on account of your song, which, believe 
me, is sweet as the lyre of Apollo, I shall indulge myself in drinking 
some nectar which Pallas lately gave me. If you do not dislike it, 
come to me, and we will drink it together." The Grasshopper, who 
was at once thirsty, and pleased with the praise of her voice, eagerly 
flew up. The Owl, coming forth from her hollow, seized her, and 
put her to death. 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. Ill, No. 16; Townsend's translation.) 

THE TREES UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE GODS 

THE Gods, according to an ancient legend, made choice of cer- 
tain trees to be under their special protection. Jupiter chose 
the oak, Venus the myrtle, Apollo the laurel, Cybele the pine, and 
Hercules the poplar. Minerva, wondering why they had preferred 
trees not yielding fruit, inquired the reason of their choice. Jupiter 
replied, "It is lest we should seem to covet the honour for the fruit." 
But said Minerva, "Let any one say what he will, the olive is more 
dear to me on account of its fruit." Then said Jupiter, "My daugh- 
ter, you are rightly called wise; for unless what we do is useful, the 
glory of it is vain." 

[Phcedrus; Fables Vol. Ill, No. 17; Townsend's translation.) 

THE PEACOCK AND JUNO 

THE Peacock made complaint to Juno that, while the nightingale 
pleased every ear with his song, he no sooner opened his mouth 
than he became a laughing-stock to all who heard him. The God- 



'HE EXERCISED HIS PREROGATIVE BY DEVOURING A PIGEON A DAY." 

— Page 131 



PH^DRUS 141 



dess, to console him, said, "But you far excel in beauty and in size. 
The splendour of the emerald shines in your neck, and you unfold a 
tail gorgeous with painted plumage." "But for what purpose have 
I," said the bird, "this dumb beauty, so long as I am surpassed in 
song?" "The lot of each," replied Juno, "has been assigned by the 
will of the Fates — to thee, beauty; to the eagle, strength; to the 
nightingale, song; to the raven, favourable, and to the crow, unfavour- 
able auguries. These are all contented with the endowments allotted 
to them." 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. Ill, No. 18; Townsend's translation.) 

^ISOP AND THE IMPERTINENT FELLOW 

AESOP'S master, having come home earlier than usual, and there 
being no other slave in the house, TEsop was ordered to get sup- 
per ready as fast as he could. So away he ran to light a candle, from 
which to kindle his fire; but since it still wanted an hour or two of 
sunset, he had to visit several houses before he could get a light; at 
last, however, he succeeded, and being in a hurry, he returned directly 
through the market-place, which was his nearest way home. As he 
passed along, an Impertinent Fellow in the crowd caught him by the 
sleeve, bent on cracking a joke at his expense. 

"Tell me, ^Esop," said he, "what are you doing with a lighted 
candle at this hour of day? Are you trying to light the sun to bed?" 
"No," answered TEsop as he hurried on his way, "I am only looking 
for a real Man." 
An ill-timed jest reveals an empty mind. 

{Phcedrus, Fables, Vol 111, No. 19; from Bussey's Fables, Original and Selected.) 



142 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE SHE-GOATS AND THEIR BEARDS 

THE She-goats having obtained by request from Jupiter the 
favour of a beard, the He-goats, sorely displeased, made com- 
plaint that the females equalled them in dignity. "Suffer them," 
said Jupiter, "to enjoy an empty honour, and to assume the badge of 
your nobler sex, so long as they are not your equals in strength or 
courage." 

It matters little if those who are inferior to us in merit should be 
like us in outside appearances. 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. IV, No. 15; Townsend's translation.) 

THE HELMSMAN AND THE SAILORS 

A CERTAIN ship had long been buffeted by raging seas, and all 
on board, expecting instant death, bewailed their fate. But 
suddenly the storm abated, and the sky cleared, and the ship rode 
steadily, rocked by gentle waves. The Sailors, in their relief, gave 
way to extravagant rejoicing; but the Helmsman, made wise by past 
danger, spoke a word of warning: 

"You should learn to keep your rejoicings and your fears under 
better control, since all our life is a mixture of joy and sorrow." 

{Phmdrus, Fables, Vol. IV, No. 16.) 

THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOUR 

A MOUNTAIN was once greatly agitated. Loud groans and noises 
were heard; and crowds of people came from all parts to see 
what was the matter. While they were assembled in anxious ex- 



PILEDRUS 143 



pectation of some terrible calamity, out came a Mouse. 
Don't make much ado about nothing. 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. IV, No. 22; Townsend's translation.) 

THE TWO SOLDIERS AND THE ROBBER 

TWO Soldiers travelling together, were set upon by a Robber. 
The one fled away; the other stood his ground, and defended 
himself with his stout right hand. The Robber being slain, the 
timid companion runs up and draws his sword, and then, 
throwing back his travelling cloak, says, "I'll at him, and I'll take care 
he shall learn whom he has attacked." On this he who had fought 
with the Robber made answer, "I only wish that you had helped me 
just now, even if it had been only those words, for I should have been 
the more encouraged, believing them to be true; but now put up 
your sword in its sheath and hold your equally useless tongue, till you 
can deceive others who do not know you. I, indeed, who have ex- 
perienced with what speed you run away, know right well that no 
dependence can be placed on your valour." 

(Phadrus, Fables, Vol. V, No. 2; Tounsend's translation.) 

THE BALD MAN AND THE FLY 

A FLY bit the bare head of a Bald Man, who, endeavouring to de- 
stroy it, gave himself a heavy slap. Then said the Fly mock- 
ingly, "You who have wished to revenge, even with death, the prick 
of a tiny insect, what will you do to yourself, who have added insult 
to injury?" The Bald Man replied, "I can easily make peace with 
myself, because I know there was no intention to hurt. But you, an 



144 CLASSICAL FABLES 

ill-favoured and contemptible insect, who delight in sucking human 
blood, I wish that I could have killed you, even if I had incurred a 
heavier penalty." 

{Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. V, No. 3; Townsend's translation.) 

THE MOUNTEBANK AND THE COUNTRYMAN 

A CERTAIN wealthy patrician, intending to treat the Roman peo- 
ple with some theatrical entertainment, publicly offered a re- 
ward to any one who would produce a novel spectacle. Incited by 
emulation, artists arrived from all parts to contest the prize, among 
whom a well-known witty Mountebank gave out that he had a new 
kind of entertainment that had never yet been produced on any stage. 
This report being spread abroad, brought the whole city together. 
The theatre could hardly contain the number of spectators. And 
when the artist appeared alone upon the stage, without any apparatus, 
or any assistants, curiosity and suspense kept the spectators in pro- 
found silence. On a sudden he thrust down his head into his bosom, 
and mimicked the squeaking of a young pig, so naturally, that the 
audience insisted upon it that he had one under his cloak, and ordered 
him to be searched; which being done, and nothing appearing, they 
loaded him with the most extravagant applause. 

A Countryman among the audience observing what passed — 
"Oh!" says he, "I can do better than this;" and immediately gave 
out that he would perform the next day. Accordingly, on the mor- 
row, a yet greater crowd was collected. Prepossessed, however, in 
favour of the Mountebank, they came rather to laugh at the Country- 
man than to pass a fair judgment on him. They both came out upon 
the stage. The Mountebank grunts away first, and calls forth the 



PHCEDRUS 145 



greatest clapping and applause. Then the Countryman, pretending 
that he concealed a little pig under his garments (and he had, in fact, 
really got one) pinched its ear till he made it squeak. The people 
cried out that the Mountebank had imitated the pig much more 
naturally, and hooted to the Countryman to quit the stage; but he, 
to convict them to their face, produced the real pig from his bosom. 
"And now, gentlemen, you may see," said he, "what a pretty sort of 
judges you are!" 

It is easier to convince a man against his senses than against his 
will. 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. V, No. 5: Thomas James' translation.) 

THE BULL AND THE CALF 

A BULL was striving with all his might to squeeze himself through 
a narrow passage which led to his stall. A young Calf came 
up, and offered to go before and show him the way by which he could 
manage to pass. "Save yourself the trouble," said the Bull; "I 
knew that way long before you were born." 

{Phcedrus, Fables, Vol. V, No. 9; Totvnsend's translation.) 



PART III. B. 
FABLES ATTRIBUTED TO PH^DRUS 



PART III. B. 
FABLES ATTRIBUTED TO PH^DRUS 

THE TREES AND THE AXE 

WOODMAN came into a forest to ask the Trees to 
give him a handle for his Axe. It seemed so 
modest a request that the principal Trees at once 
agreed to it, and it was settled among them that 
the plain homely Ash should furnish what was 
wanted. No sooner had the Woodman fitted the staff to his purpose, 
than he began laying about him on all sides, felling the noblest Trees 
in the wood. The Oak now seeing the whole matter too late, whis- 
pered to the Cedar, "The first concession has lost all; if we had not 
sacrificed our humble neighbour, we might have yet stood for ages 
ourselves." 

When the rich surrender the rights of the poor, they give a handle 
to be used against their own privileges. 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Appendix I, No. 5; Thomas lames' translation.) 




A 



THE SNAIL AND THE MONKEY 

SNAIL, happening to find a mirror, was fascinated by its bright- 
ness, and climbing upon its glittering surface began to lick 
it lovingly, thinking that he could in no better way show his admira- 
tion than by thus dimming its splendour with a trail of slime. 
A Monkey, seeing the mirror thus disfigured, said : 

149 



150 CLASSICAL FABLES 

"Those who allow themselves to be trampled under foot by their 
inferiors deserve all the indignity that they suffer." 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Appendix I, No. 8.) 

THE LION AND THE SHEPHERD 

A LION, roaming through a forest, trod upon a thorn, and soon 
after came up towards a Shepherd, and fawned upon him, 
wagging his tail, as if he would say, "I am a suppliant, and seek your 
aid." The Shepherd boldly examined, and discovered the thorn, 
and placing his foot upon his lap, pulled it out and relieved the Lion 
of his pain, who returned into the forest. Some time after the 
Shepherd being imprisoned on a false accusation, is condemned "to 
be cast to the Lions," as the punishment of his imputed crime. The 
Lion, on being released from his cage, recognizes the Shepherd as 
the man who healed him, and, instead of attacking him, approaches 
and places his foot upon his lap. The King, as soon as he heard the 
tale, ordered the Lion to be set free again in the forest, and the 
Shepherd to be pardoned and restored to his friends. 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Appendix I, No. 15; Townsend's translation.) 

THE HORSE AND THE ASS 

AHORSE, proud of his fine trappings, met an Ass on the high- 
way. The Ass being heavily laden moved slowly out of the 
way. "Hardly," said the Horse, "can I resist kicking you with my 
heels." The Ass held his peace, and made only a silent appeal to 
the justice of the gods. Not long afterwards the Horse, having be- 
come broken- winded, was sent by his owner to the farm. The Ass 
seeing him drawing a farm-wagon, thus derided him: "Where, 



PH^EDRUS 15L 



boaster, are now all thy gay trappings, thou who art thyself reduced 
to the condition you so lately treated with contempt?" 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Appendix I, No. 17; Townsend's translation.) 

THE BIRDS, THE BEASTS AND THE BAT 

ONCE upon a time there was a fierce war waged between the 
Birds and the Beasts. For a long while the issue of the 
battle was uncertain, and the Bat, taking advantage of his ambiguous 
nature, kept aloof and remained neutral. At length when the Beasts 
seemed to prevail, the Bat joined their forces and appeared active 
in the fight; but a rally being made by the Birds, which proved suc- 
cessful, he was found at the end of the day among the ranks of the 
winning party. A peace being speedily concluded, the Bat's con- 
duct was condemned alike by both parties, and being acknowledged by 
neither, and so excluded from the terms of the truce, he was obliged to 
skulk off as best he could, and has ever since lived in holes and corners, 
never daring to show his face except in the duskiness of twilight. 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Appendix I, No. 18; Townsend's translation.) 

THE APES AND THE TWO TRAVELLERS 

TWO men, one of whom always spoke the truth and the other 
told nothing but lies, were travelling together, and by chance 
came to the land of Apes. One of the Apes, who had raised him- 
self to be king, commanded them to be laid hold of, and brought 
before him, that he might know what was said of him among men. 
He ordered at the same time that all the Apes should be arranged in a 
long row on his right hand and on his left, and that a throne should 



152 CLASSICAL FABLES 

be placed for him, as was the custom among men. After these 
preparations, he signified his will that the two men should be brought 
before him, and greeted them with this salutation: "What sort of a 
King do I seem to you to be, strangers?" The lying Traveller 
replied, "You seem to me a most mighty King." "And what is your 
estimate of those you see around me?" "These," he made answer, 
"are worthy companions of yourself, fit at least to be ambassadors and 
leaders of armies." The Ape and all his court, gratified with the 
lie, commanded a handsome present to be given to the flatterer. On 
this the truthful Traveller thought within himself, "If so great a re- 
ward be given for a lie, with what gift may not I be rewarded, if, 
according to my custom, I shall tell the truth?" The Ape quickly 
turned to him. "And pray how do I and these my friends around 
me seem to you?" "Thou art," he said, "a most excellent Ape, and 
all these thy companions after thy example are excellent Apes too." 
The King of the Apes, enraged at hearing these truths, gave him over 
to the teeth and claws of his companions. 

A smooth lie wins favour with evil natures, where the honest truth 
may cause a good man's downfall. 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Appendix I, No. 24; TownseruTs translation.) 

THE STORK, THE GOOSE AND THE HAWK 

ONE day when the Stork had come to a favourite pool, he saw 
a Goose repeatedly diving under the water, and asked why 
she did so. She replied: 

"It is a habit with us Geese, for we find much of our food in the 
mud at the bottom of the pool, and at the same time we safely escape 
the attack of Hawks when they swoop down upon us." 



PH^DRUS 153 



"I am much stronger than any Hawk," the Stork replied. "If 
you will form a friendship with me, you may safely laugh at your 
enemy." 

The credulous Goose eagerly accepting the protection offered her, 
straightway waddled out into the fields. Before long a Hawk passing 
that way and swooping down seized the Goose in his cruel talons. 
As the Stork flew safely away the unhappy Goose called after him: 
"Whoever trusts himself to a feeble protector deserves to come to a 
bad end." 

{Phcedrus, Fables, Appendix I, No. 26.) 

THE CROW AND THE SHEEP 

A TROUBLESOME Crow seated herself on the back of a Sheep. 
The Sheep, much against his will, carried her backward and 
forward for a long time, and at last said, "If you had treated a dog 
in this way, you would have had your deserts from his sharp teeth." 
To this the Crow replied, "I despise the weak, and yield to the 
strong. I know whom I may bully, and whom I must flatter; and 
I thus prolong my life to a good old age." 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Appendix I, No. 27; Touinsend's translation.) 

THE HORSE AND THE ASS 

THE Ass one day begged the Horse for a small share of his hay. 
"Gladly," said the Horse, "if there were any to spare, — and 
a generous one too, as befits my own dignity. But as soon as I get 
back to our stable to-night I will see that you have a bag full of oats." 
The Ass replied : "Since you refuse me a small favour now, how can 
I believe that you will do me a bigger one by-and-by?" 



154 CLASSICAL FABLES 

Those who offer big promises in place of small help will prove to 
be unwilling givers. 

{Phcedrus, Fables, Appendix I, No. 29.) 

THE FLEA AND THE CAMEL 

AS a Camel plodded on through the desert, weighted down with 
many burdens, a Flea perched contentedly on his back, greatly 
enjoying her exalted position. After they had journeyed a long 
distance and towards sunset reached the halting-place, the Flea at 
once skipped nimbly to the ground. 

"Did you see," she asked, "how quickly I got down, so as not to 
tire your poor back a moment longer?" 

"Thank you," replied the Camel, "but to tell the truth, I did not 
feel your weight while you were on my back, nor do I notice the dif- 
ference, now that you are down ! " 

{Phcedrus, Fables, Appendix I, No. 31.) 

THE EAGLE AND THE KITE 

AN Eagle, overwhelmed with sorrow, sat upon the branches of a 
tree, in company with a Kite. "Why," said the Kite, "do I see 
you with such a rueful look?" "I seek," she replied, "for a mate 
suitable for me, and am not able to find one." "Take me," returned 
the Kite, "I am much stronger than you are." "Why, are you able 
to secure the means of living by your plunder?" "Well, I have 
often caught and carried away an ostrich in my talons." The Eagle, 
persuaded by these words, accepted him as her mate. Shortly after 
the nuptials, the Eagle said, "Fly off, and bring me back the ostrich 



PH^EDRUS 155 



you promised me." The Kite, soaring aloft into the air, brought 
back the shabbiest possible mouse, foul-smelling from the length 
of time it had lain about the fields. "Is this," said the Eagle, "the 
faithful fulfilment of your promise to me?" The Kite replied, 
"That I might attain to your royal hand, there is nothing that I would 
not have promised, however much I knew that I must fail in the per- 
formance." 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Appendix I, No. 34.) 

THE SWALLOW AND THE OTHER BIRDS 

ONCE when the Birds had all gathered together in a certain spot, 
they saw a man sowing his field with flax. When the Swallow 
saw that the other Birds paid no attention to this, she called them all 
to her and gave them this advice: 

"A great danger threatens us if we let this seed grow and ripen!" 
The other Birds all laughed at her. When the flax had begun to 
sprout, the Swallow again warned them: "Destruction is approach- 
ing," she cried. "Fall to work and uproot these fatal seeds; for if 
we let them grow, nets will be made from the flax, and we shall 
fall victims to man's cleverness!" But the other Birds still laughed 
at the Swallow's words, and foolishly spurned her wise counsels. 
Soon afterwards the cautious Swallow went and made her home among 
men, building her nest in safety among the rafters of a barn. But 
the other Birds, who had scorned her sage advice, were caught and 
perished in the nets woven from the flax. 

The foolish turn a deaf ear to wise counsel. 

{Phcedrus, Fables, Appendix II, No. 12.) 



156 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE PARTRIDGE AND THE FOX 

A PARTRIDGE was once perched on an upper branch of a tree, 
when a Fox came up and at once addressed her as follows: 
"Beautiful Partridge, how lovely are your features! Your beak is 
like coral, and your legs outrival the brilliance of royal purple. If 
only you were asleep, you would be more beautiful still." The 
trusting bird, like a little simpleton, at once closed her eyes; where- 
upon the Fox swiftly leaped high in the air and caught her in his 
mouth. The Partridge, lamenting her fate, poured forth a broken, 
tearful prayer: "Oh, Fox I beseech you by the fame of your artful 
ways eat me if you will but first praise me once again before I die!" 
The Fox moved by this prayer opened his mouth and the Partridge 
quickly made her escape. "Why did I have to speak?" lamented the 
disappointed Fox; and the Partridge replied,"Why did I have to close 
my eyes when I was not even sleepy?" 

This fable is for those who talk when there is no need, and for 
those who sleep when they should keep watch. 

{Phcedms, Fables, Appendix II, No. 13.) 

MSO? AND THE RUNAWAY SLAVE 

A SLAVE, well known in the neighbourhood, was running away 
from a cruel master, when he fell in with TEsop. "Why so 
frightened?" asked the latter. 

"I will tell you the truth, Father TEsop, — for you have well earned 
that name, because we can all safely confide our troubles to you. 
I am tired of beatings, and there is no end to the blows. Besides 



PKLEDRUS 157 



that, I am put to the hardest sort of work. If my master feasts at 
home, I wait upon him all night long; if he is invited out, I watch 
till day-break in the roadway. I have earned my liberty, and I am 
treated like a dog. If I felt that it was my own fault, I would bear 
it patiently. Unhappy creature that I am, not only am I half starved, 
but I must suffer besides this unending cruelty. It is for these rea- 
sons, which have taken me so long to tell, that I have decided to run 
away, wherever my feet will take me." 

"Now, listen," answered ^!sop. "You have suffered all these 
hardships, although you have done nothing wrong. How much worse 
suffering do you think awaits you, if you run away?" The slave took 
the advice and returned to his master. 

If you already have troubles, it is foolish to seek more. 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Appendix II, No. 19.) 

THE COCK AND THE CATS WHO BORE HIS LITTER 

ACOCK once employed several Cats to carry his litter when he 
appeared in public. When the Fox saw him proudly borne 
along, she murmured to herself, "I warn you, friend Cock, to be on 
your guard. For if you study the faces of those Cats, they look as 
though they were carrying off a captured prey, and not an unwel- 
come burden." Before long, the Cats, becoming hungry, made short 
work of their master, and divided the object of their crime between 
them. 

A false sense of security often leads to danger. 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Appendix II, No. 16.) 



158 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE FAMISHED BEAR 

ONE autumn, when the crop of woodland berries had begun to 
fail, a hungry Bear made his way down to the rocky seashore, 
and seizing a big stone between his hairy limbs slowly lowered him- 
self into the water. Before long a number of crabs had laid fast 
hold upon the thick fur of his hide, whereupon the Bear climbed back 
upon dry land, shook off the haul of sea-food he had netted, and 
settled down to enjoy their tender meat at his leisure. 
Even the dullest brains are sharpened by hunger. 

(Phcedrus, Fables, Appendix II, No. 21.) 

THE SNAKE AND THE LIZARD 

A SNAKE, happening one day upon a Lizard, seized hold of it 
and prepared to swallow it down his rapacious throat. The 
Lizard, however, quickly snatched up a small stick that lay near and 
held it cross-wise between its clenched teeth. The ends of the stick, 
catching the corners of the greedy jaws, neatly turned the trick upon 
the Snake, who, half choked, must needs let his victim escape unhurt. 
A quick wit often makes up for lack of strength. 

{Phcedrus, Fables, Appendix II, No. 23.) 



PART IV 
AVIANUS, ABSTEMIUS, ETC. 




PART IV 
AVIANUS, ABSTEMIUS, ETC. 

THE BOY AND THE THIEF 

[BOY sat weeping at the brink of a well, with his 
lips all puckered in apparent grief. A rascally 
Thief, finding him with tear-stained face, asked 
what had happened to make him so unhappy. 
The Boy then told how his rope had broken in 
two and let a Crock of Gold fall into the well. At once the Thief 
eagerly threw off his cloak; the next moment he had stripped himself 
and plunged to the bottom of the well. The Boy promptly wrapped 
the cloak around his own thin shoulders, crawled under a bramble 
thicket and lay there, safely hidden. When the disappointed Thief 
at last struggled back from his dangerous and fruitless search, he 
seated himself to rest beside the well, considerably sadder and wiser, 
and found what comfort he could in the thought : 

"Any one who is so foolish as to believe that a Crock of Gold will 
float on the surface of water is lucky if he gets off with no worse 
loss than his cloak!" 

(Avianus, Fable 25.) 
161 



162 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE CROW AND THE WATER JAR 

A THIRSTY Crow found a large Water Jar, with only a little 
water remaining at the bottom. For some time she tried in 
vain to tip the Jar and pour out the water on the ground, so that 
she might slake her thirst. But when she found that she was only 
wasting her efforts, exasperation sharpened her wits. By dropping 
pebbles into the Jar, she gradually raised the level of the water to 
the brim, and was then able to drink at pleasure. 

This fable teaches that it is sometimes better to imitate the Crow 
and attain our desires by cleverness rather than by force. 

(Avianus, Fable 27.) 

THE FLY AND THE CHARIOT 

A FLY was seated on a racing Chariot that was being driven at 
full speed. In their rapid flight the feet of the horses and 
the rims of the whirring wheels flung up great clouds of dust. The 
Fly took all the credit to itself, and cried proudly: 
"See what a dust I am raising!" 

(Abstemius, Fable 16.) 

THE EEL AND THE SNAKE 

WHY is it," asked the Eel of the Snake, "that although I'm 
in all respects and beyond question quite like you in ap- 
pearance, men are always seeking to catch me, while they leave you in 

O" 

peace : 



,^cO 



o\ 









. 



'EXASPERATION SHARPENED HER WITS." 



-Page 169 



AVIANUS, ABSTEMIUS, ETC. 163 

"Because," replied the Snake, "if they went after me they would 
not escape unpunished." 

The man who knows how to protect himself is safe from his 
enemies. 

(Abstemius, Fable 17.) 

THE FISH THAT LEAPED FROM THE FRYING-PAN 

SOME Fish were put to fry alive in a pan full of fat. "Come," 
said one of them, "let us jump out of here, for if we do not, we 
shall surely die." 

The Fishes all believed this to be true, so they all leaped from 
the frying-pan into the fire. Their suffering now, on the live coals, 
was much greater, and they began to give way to bitter complaints 
against the Fish who had first given them the fatal advice. "Thanks 
to you," they said, "we have doubled our pain, without after all 
escaping from death." 

Let us be careful, in our eagerness to escape the ills of life, that 
we do not incur some other and much worse evil. 

(Abstemius, Fable 20.) 

THE YOUTH AND THE OLD MAN 

A YOUTH met on Old Man bent double with the weight of his 
years, until he was curved like a strung bow. 
"Grandfather," he said mockingly, "don't you want to sell me 
your bow?" 

"You would be wasting your money, my lad," replied the Old 



164 CLASSICAL FABLES 

Man. "But if you live to be my age, Nature will give you a bow like 
mine, for nothing, even if you don't want it." 

Let us not laugh at the infirmities of age, for they will all come 
upon us in turn in our own last days. 

(Abslemius, Fable 24.) 

THE STREAM AND ITS SOURCE 

A STREAM one day said to its Source, "Lazy good-for-nothing 
that you are! In spite of the plentiful current of water that 
you give, you do not nourish even the smallest fish! Throughout 
the whole length of my course, on the contrary, one may see more 
fishes, constantly darting and playing than can be found in any other 
stream of the same size. In this way I am of pleasure and service 
to the whole district. But you might as well be dead, for you sus- 
tain no life in you." 

The Source, indignant at these unjust words, made no reply, but 
began to decrease the quantity of water that she had until now fur- 
nished to the Stream. Before long she stopped the supply of water 
entirely. The result was that the level of the Stream gradually fell 
lower and lower, until at last the water failed completely and the 
Stream and the fishes disappeared together. 

(Abstemius, Fable 57.) 

THE RIVER SHARK WHO WOULD BE KING OF THE 

OCEAN 

A SHARK, established at the mouth of a river, ruled over all the 
fishes living in its waters. As he was considerably larger and 
stronger than the others they humbly accepted his authority. In 



AVIANUS, ABSTEMIUS, ETC. 165 

fact he was their King, and they treated him as such. 

The Shark's pride soon outgrew his position. "Why," he asked 
himself, "should I not extend my kingdom?" 

Taking advantage of favourable circumstances he left the river 
and still intent on his plan of enlarging his kingdom, swam far out 
to sea. "I must," he told himself, "bring all the fishes in these 
broad waters under my control." 

He was still dreaming of conquering the whole empire of the waves, 
when he encountered the Whale. Chilled with horror and trembling 
with fear, our would-be conqueror of the seas fled back at top speed, 
and shamefacedly regained the mouth of the river. Since then he 
has had no desire to stray from his home waters. 

The wise man knows when he is well off and guards himself against 
foolish ambition. 

(Abstemius, Fable 82.) 

THE BEAR AND HIS MATE 

A BEAR, quarrelling with his Mate, became so violent in his rage 
that with his claws he scratched out both her eyes. He was so 
sorry afterwards for having done this that he gnawed off all his claws 
with his teeth. Later, he came back to his cave and tried to make up 
the quarrel: 

"My dear," he said, "for your sake I have deprived myself of my 
best weapons of war." 

"What good does that do me?" answered his Mate, "now that you 
have scratched out my eyes, and I am blind !" 

Repentance is powerless to undo injuries when once done. 

(Abstemius, Fable 147.) 



166 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE MICE IN COUNCIL 

ONCE upon a time the Mice being sadly distressed by the per- 
secution of the Cat, resolved to call a meeting, to decide upon 
the best means of getting rid of this continual annoyance. Many 
plans were discussed and rejected; at last a young Mouse got up and 
proposed that a Bell should be hung round the Cat's neck, that they 
might for the future always have notice of her coming, and so be able 
to escape. This proposition was hailed with the greatest applause, 
and was agreed to at once unanimously. Upon which an old Mouse, 
who had sat silent all the while, got up and said that he considered 
the contrivance most ingenious, and that it would, no doubt, be quite 
successful ; but he had only one short question to put, namely, which 
of them it was who would Bell the Cat? 

It is one thing to propose, another to execute. 

(Abstemius, Fable 195. Thomas James' translation.) 

THE ABBOT AND THE FLEA 

AN Abbot, having caught a Flea, said to him, "At last I have 
caught you. Many a time have you bitten me; now that I 
have you I will never let you go, but shall put you to death." 

"Holy Father," said the Flea, "since you are going to kill me, place 
me in the palm of your hand, so that I may freely confess my sins 
to you." 

The Abbot, moved by pious pity, placed the Flea in the middle 
of his palm. The Flea at once made a great jump, and by his jump, 
escaped. The Abbot called loudly to him to return and confess his 
sins, but the Flea would not return. 



AVIANUS, ABSTEMIUS, ETC. 167 

There are many people who finding themselves in a tight place, 
promise much, but when set at liberty fail to keep their promises. 

(Odo of Sherington.) 

THE CRANE WHO QUARRELLED WITH HIS MATE 

A CRANE once quarrelled with his Mate, and pecked out one of 
her eyes. Afterwards, feeling much ashamed of having done 
her such a terrible injury, he prepared to leave home and travel to a 
far-distant country. A Crow, meeting him just as he was setting 
forth, asked the reason for his journey. The Crane replied that he 
had pecked out his Mate's eye with his beak, and that because of his 
shame he felt that he must leave the country. 

The Crow replied, "Have you not still got the same beak?" The 
Crane answered in surprise: "Certainly I have." 

"Then," said the Crow, "where will you flee to? Because, wher- 
ever you go you must carry your beak with you!" 

A man cannot run away from his conscience. 

(Odo of Sherington.) 

THE TOAD AND THE FROG 

THE Toad which lives on land once asked the Frog, which lives 
in the pond, to give her some water to drink. "Surely," said 
the Frog, and she gave her all the water she wanted. Later the Frog, 
being hungry, asked the Toad to give her something to eat. The 
Toad answered: "No, indeed, I won't. I am so afraid that there 



168 CLASSICAL FABLES 

won't be enough food for myself that half the time I don't eat suffi- 
cient for my own good." 

Generosity is wasted on a selfish nature. 

(Odo of Sherington.) 

THE CAT AND THE STORK 

WE should do well to imitate the example of the Stork, who 
was carrying home an eel, as dinner for herself and her chil- 
dren. A Cat, who was fond of fish but hated to wet his feet, seeing 
the Stork, said to her: 

"Most beautiful of all birds, with your brilliant red beak and the 
whitest of feathers, pray tell me, is your beak as red on the inside 
as it is on the outside?" 

But the Stork would not reply nor even open her mouth, because 
she did not wish to drop the eel. This made the Cat angry, and he 
began to abuse the Stork roundly, saying: 

"You surely must be deaf or at least dumb! Can't you answer 
me, you miserable beast? Is it possible that you eat snakes, which 
are poisonous, unclean creatures? Every clean animal likes clean 
food, but you evidently prefer yours foul and unclean. You cer- 
tainly must be the filthiest of all birds!" 

But the Stork, never answering a word, kept steadily on her way, 
holding fast to the eel. 

(Odo of Sherington.) 

THE BIRD OF SAINT MARTIN 

AMONG the Birds there is one known as the Bird of Saint Martin, 
which is no larger than a Wren, and whose legs are long and 
slender like reeds. It happened once at the festival of Saint Martin, 



AVIANUS, ABSTEMIUS, ETC. 169 

when the sun was shining brightly, that the little Bird of Saint Mar- 
tin flung itself down upon the ground beside a tree and rolling over 
kicked its legs high in the air exclaiming: 

"There, if the Heavens should fall I could hold them up with my 
legs!" 

Just then a single leaf fell from a branch of the tree and fluttered 
down upon the Bird. The latter sprang up, half dead with fear, and 
flew away crying shrilly, "Oh, Saint Martin, Saint Martin, save your 
little Bird!" 

There are many like this Bird of Saint Martin, whose faith is strong 
in times of safety, but weak in times of danger. 

{Odo of Sherington.) 

THE CAT'S BEAUTIFUL WIFE 

A CERTAIN Tom Cat had lately acquired a beautiful Wife who 
contemptuously laughed at his requests that she would stay 
at home, and persisted in going out for long walks with other Cats. 
The Cat complained to his friends about his Wife's love of gaiety, and 
one of his friends gave him this advice: 

"Singe her fur in splotches here and there, and she will be glad 
enough to stay at home!" 

The Tom Cat followed this advice, and the beautiful Wife ceased 
her roaming and stayed at home. 

Personal vanity often leads us into temptation. 

(Odo of Sherington.) 



170 CLASSICAL FABLES 

THE FROG'S BEAUTIFUL SON 

IT happened once on a time that the Animals met together in 
Council. The Frog being unable himself to attend sent his only 
son, who in his haste forgot to wear his new shoes. So the Frog 
looked around for some swift messenger to take them to the Council. 
Presently he saw the Hare, which is a strong swift runner, so he 
called to him and made a bargain with him to carry the new shoes to 
his son. The Hare, however, objected, "How am I to know which 
is your son among so many animals at the Council?" 

The Frog replied, "Look for the one that is the most beautiful 
among all the Animals, — for that is my son." 

"Then it must be the Peacock," said the Hare, "or perhaps the 
Dove, who is your son?" 

"Certainly not," answered the Frog, "for the flesh of the Dove 
is dark, and the Peacock has ugly feet." 

"Then tell me, pray," said the Hare, "what does your son look 
like?" 

"He is very like me," replied the Frog. "He has a head like mine, 
a stomach like mine, legs and feet like mine; in short, he is my own 
beautiful son. Take the shoes to him." 

Because he loved his son, the Frog thought him beautiful. Love 
is blind. 

(Odo of Sherington. Fable 13.) 

THE ASS PRETENDING THAT HE WAS ILL 

A CERTAIN Ass had noticed that bread and oats and corn, and 
other good things were often given to the Pigs, although they 
did no work, and after they had eaten they would He down and 



AVIANUS, ABSTEMIUS, ETC. 171 

sleep. The Ass said to himself, "These Pigs lead an easy life; they 
eat and drink and do nothing else whatever, while I toil all day long 
and eat very little. I will pretend that I am sick." Accordingly, 
he lay down upon the ground and remained comfortably stretched 
out, but with his eyes closed as though sick. His master, finding 
him on the ground, tried first to rouse him with a whip; but the Ass 
refused to move. He merely groaned and continued to lie at his 
ease. Then the master said to his wife, "Evidently our Ass is sick." 
The wife replied, "In that case let us give him some oats and corn 
and bread, and leave him a pail of water." They did as the wife 
had suggested; and although at first the Ass ate but sparingly, his 
appetite increased, and presently he began to grow fat, and said 
to himself, "I surely am having an easy life!" Meanwhile, the Pigs 
had been sufficiently fattened, and the master sent for the butcher 
who came with axe and knife and killed and dressed the Pigs. When 
he saw this, the Ass was filled with terror, and thought surely that 
they would kill him too now that he was fat. "Far rather," he said 
to himself, "would I labour and lead my former life of toil than 
be idle and fattened like the Pigs for the butcher!" So going forth 
from the stable the Ass pranced and frolicked around his master, who 
promptly put him back to his former work. 

(Odo of Sherington.) 

THE WOLF AND THE HARE 

ONCE upon a time when the Wolf and the Hare chanced to meet, 
the former said, "Friend Hare, among all animals you are 
the most timid. Would you ever dare enter into any kind of con- 
test with any other animal?" 



172 CLASSICAL FABLES 

At which the Hare replied, "Yes, indeed I would, even with you, 
friend Wolf, big as you are and I so small!" 

The Wolf was indignant and said hotly: "I will bet ten gold 
pieces against one that I can give you a good thrashing." 

The Hare accepted the terms of the challenge, and they took their 
places on the battle ground. The Wolf rushed straight at the Hare 
intending to seize and devour him. The Hare nimbly darted aside 
and took to his heels, running at top speed, while the Wolf followed 
as best he could. After a long chase back and forth and round and 
round, the Wolf at last, utterly tired out, stopped in his course and 
flung himself on the ground unable to run a step further. Then the 
Hare said to him, "Friend Wolf, you are beaten, and have measured 
your length upon the ground." 

The Wolf retorted, "Indeed I am not beaten, for you did not even 
wait to meet my attack." 

To which the Hare rejoined, "What sort of a fight would it have 
been had I waited for you, since you are three times my size, and have 
only to open your mouth to swallow me whole? I have no other way 
of fighting than that of running away, and since I have beaten you at 
that, pay me what you owe." 

The Wolf still refused to pay, and the argument grew hot and fierce 
until at last the matter was referred to the Lion who held that the 
Hare, having fought by the best means he knew, had fairly won. 

(Odo of Sherington.) 

GOLD AND LEAD 

LEAD one day, puffed up with pride, went to Gold and said boldly, 
r "Why do you think yourself so much better .than me, brother 
Gold? Am I not made of the same material? Are we not both 



AVIANUS, ABSTEMIUS, ETC. 173 

members of the family of metals? By what right then do you look 
down upon me? Do you not see that I am highly esteemed by the 
world as well as yourself? Come with me and be tried by fire, and 
you will see that I, too, have sterling qualities." To this Gold re- 
plied: "I know, brother Lead, that you are a metal equally with 
myself. For the same creator made us both, and we each remain 
as he made us. I wish you no harm. Keep the rights that are yours 
and go your way. But if you insist upon challenging me to the test 
of fire, come with me and we will prove ourselves, and it will be clearly 
shown what are your true qualities and your rightful victory." When 
the two metals entered together the fire, the Lead promptly melted 
and vanished. But the Gold was purified and came forth even 
brighter than before. 

There are many men like the Lead, who are puffed up with empty 
pride, and believe that they have great qualities which they have not; 
but when put to the test they are reduced to nothing, as the Lead was 
when tried by fire. 

(Nicholas Pergamenus, Dialogi Creaturarum, No. 19.) 

THE LOCK AND THE KEY 

THERE was once an excellent Key which opened and closed its 
Lock so smoothly that it was prized highly by its master. After 
a time, however, the ungrateful Lock tried to quarrel with the Key, 
saying: "You plague of my existence! Why are you continually 
molesting me, day and night, thrusting yourself upon me and wrench- 
ing me backward and forward? Cease this annoyance or I will twist 
you out of shape and cast you aside." The Key replied: "You 
speak foolishly, sister, since it is through me that you are guarded 



174 CLASSICAL FABLES 

and kept from harm. If you choose to thrust me out, you yourself 
will be discarded and broken." But the Lock refused to be placated 
by these words, but on the contrary closed her Key-hole entirely, and 
refused the Key admission. Consequently, the master found that, in 
spite of his excellent Key, he was unable to open his door. At this 
the master became very angry and tore off the offending Lock, break- 
ing it to pieces. Hereupon the Key taunted the Lock, and said: 
"Nothing is more vulgar than family quarrels. Besides, it is the 
part of wisdom to keep on good terms with those on whom you de- 
pend for a living." 

(Nicholas Pergamenus, Dialogi Creaturarum, No. 23.) 

THE FROG AND THE CRAB 

WHEN a certain Frog saw a Crab swimming along close to the 
river bank, he said to himself, "Who is this ugly, misshapen 
creature which dares to muddy the water of my river? Since I am 
such a strong and powerful Frog, ruling over both land and water, I 
will at once approach the intruder and drive him away." So saying, 
the Frog gave a leap, which brought him in front of the Crab, and 
said: "Are you not ashamed, you wretched creature, to invade and 
trouble my peaceful waters? Dingy, insignificant beast that you 
are, do you not blush to befoul this bright, clear-running stream?" 
The Crab, meanwhile, continued to scuttle backward, according to his 
habit, and answered: "Do not speak to me in that tone, brother, 
because I would much rather continue to live in peace and friendship 
with you. Therefore do not try to pick a quarrel with me." The 
Frog, seeing that the Crab continued to scuttle backward, thought 
that he did so from fear, and accordingly, became more hostile in word 



AVIANUS, ABSTEMIUS, ETC. 175 

and action, saying: "Don't try to run away from me you coward, for 
you cannot escape me! This very day I shall feed your flesh to the 
fishes." The Crab, seeing plainly that he could not escape, faced 
around and seized the Frog, and tore him to pieces with his powerful 
claws, saying, "He who finds that he cannot avoid a quarrel owes it to 
himself to put up a bold fight." 

(Nicholas Pergamenus, Dialogi Creaturarum, No. 47.) 

THE MILLER, HIS SON AND THEIR ASS 

A MILLER and his Son were driving their Ass to a neighbouring 
fair to sell him. They had not gone far when they met with a 
troop of girls returning from the town, talking and laughing. "Look 
there!" cried one of them, "did you ever see such fools, to be trudg- 
ing along the road on foot, when they might be riding!" The old 
Man, hearing this, quietly bade his Son get on the Ass, and walked 
along merrily by the side of him. Presently they came up to a group 
of old men in earnest debate. "There!" said one of them, "it proves 
what I was a-saying. What respect is shown to old age in these 
days? Do you see that idle young rogue riding, while his old father 
has to walk? — Get down, you scapegrace! and let the old Man rest 
his weary limbs." Upon this the Father made his Son dismount, 
and got up himself. In this manner they had not proceeded far 
when they met a company of women and children. "Why, you lazy 
old fellow!" cried several tongues at once, "how can you ride upon 
the beast, while that poor little lad can hardly keep pace by the side 
of you. The good-natured Miller stood corrected, and immediately 
took up his Son behind him. They had now almost reached the town. 
"Pray, honest friend," said a townsman, "is that Ass your own?" 



176 CLASSICAL FABLES 

"Yes," says the old Man. "0! One would not have thought so," 
said the other, "by the way you load him. Why, you two fellows 
are better able to carry the poor beast than he you!" "Anything 
to please you," said the old Man; "we can but try." So, alighting 
with his Son, they tied the Ass's legs together, and by the help of a 
pole endeavoured to carry him on their shoulders over a bridge that 
led to the town. This was so entertaining a sight that the people ran 
out in crowds to laugh at it; till the Ass, not liking the noise nor 
his situation, kicked asunder the cords that bound him, and, tumbling 
off the pole, fell into the river. Upon this the old Man, vexed and 
ashamed, made the best of his way home again — convinced that by 
endeavouring to please everybody he had pleased nobody, and lost his 
Ass into the bargain. 

(Faernus, Fables, Vol. V, No. 20. Thomas James' translation.) 



BOOK TWO 
ORIENTAL FABLES 



PART I 
HINDOO FABLES 




PART I 
HINDOO FABLES 

THE FOWLER AND THE PIGEONS 

N the banks of the Godavery River there stood a 
large Silk-cotton-tree to which the birds came at 
night from all quarters to roost. Now, on a cer- 
tain night, when the moon was setting behind the 
western hills and the night was nearly over, a 
Fowler came and spread his net under the Silk-cotton-tree, scattered 
a few grains of rice on the ground, and hid himself at a short distance. 
At this moment the King of the Pigeons, named Speckle-Neck, 
chanced to be passing through the sky with his companions, and 
caught sight of the grains of rice. Now, all Pigeons are very fond 
of rice. Nevertheless, the King of the Pigeons said to his com- 
panions : 

"How is it possible for rice to be lying on the ground in this un- 
tra veiled forest? We will inquire into this, of course, but we do 
not like the look of it. Love of rice may lead to our ruin. We 
must be very careful." 

"Oh, it's all very well to talk of being careful!" rejoined a young 

and foolish Pigeon. "Being too careful may cost us a good dinner." 

At this all the Pigeons flew down to feast upon the rice, and were 

promptly caught in the net. Immediately they all began to blame the 

181 



182 ORIENTAL FABLES 

young Pigeon whose thoughtlessness had led them into trouble. But 
when King Speckle-Neck heard their reproaches he said: 

"Do not let us quarrel and blame one another; but let us work to- 
gether and find some remedy. Listen and I will tell you what to do : 
At one and the same moment and with one purpose we must all rise 
up under the net and fly off together, net and all. For even small 
things have great strength when they work together. Even a furious 
Elephant can be bound with ropes of twisted grass if there are enough 
of them." 

Upon considering this advice the other Pigeons thought it good, and 
decided to follow it. Accordingly, all together at the same moment 
they flew upward and bore away the net with them. The Fowler, who 
was still hiding at a distance, followed them for a time; but presently 
the Pigeons and the net passed out of sight, and he had to give up the 
chase. 

(Hitopadega. Book I. Introduction. Adapted from translation by Sir Edwin 

Arnold.) 

THE TIGER AND THE TRAVELLER 

ONCE upon a time, in the Deccan forest, an old Tiger was sit- 
ting on the bank of a pool, stretching forth his fore-paws, and 
calling out: 

"Ho! ho! Ye travellers, take this golden bangle!" 
Presently a certain covetous fellow, passing that way, heard the 
Tiger, and said to himself, "This is a bit of luck, — but I must not get 
too near to the Tiger's claws for all that." Thereupon he called out 
and asked, "Where is your bangle?" 

The Tiger stretched out his paw still further and showed the bangle. 




"THE COVETOUS TRAVELLER MADE UP HIS MIND TO TRUST THE TIGER." 

—Page 18 ft 



HINDOO FABLES 183 



"How am I to take it?" asked the traveller. "Can I trust myself 
near to such a fierce looking brute as you are?" 

"Listen," replied the Tiger, "in my younger days I know that I 
was very wicked. I killed cows and men without number — even 
holy Brahmans — and I was punished for it by losing my wife and 
children; I haven't a relation left. But lately I met a holy man who 
taught me to practise the duty of charity, and alms-giving. Be- 
sides, I am very old, and my claws and teeth are all gone. So you 
need not fear to trust me. I have kept this golden bangle to give 
to any one who seems in need. You look poor, so I will give it to 
you." 

Hearing this, the covetous traveller made up his mind to trust the 
Tiger, and waded into the pool. But he soon found himself stuck 
deep in the mud, and unable to move. 

"Ho! ho!" said the Tiger, "are you stuck fast in the mud? Wait 
and I will come and pull you out!" 

So saying, the Tiger sprang upon the unhappy traveller and quickly 
made a meal of him. 

(Hitopadeqa. Book I. Fable I. Adapted from translation by Sir Edwin Arnold.) 

THE JACKAL, THE DEER AND THE CROW 

FAR away in Behar there is a forest called Champak-Grove, in 
which a Deer and a Crow had long lived in close friendship. 
The Deer, roaming at large through the forest, happy, well fed and 
fat of limb, was one day seen by a Jackal. 

"Ho, ho!" thought the Jackal on observing him, "I should very 
much like some of that Deer's tender meat for my dinner! It might 



184 ORIENTAL FABLES 

be managed if I could only win his confidence." With these thoughts 
the Jackal approached the Deer, and greeted him with the words : 

"Good morning to you, friend Deer !" 

"Pray, who are you?" asked the Deer. 

"I am Small-Wit, the Jackal," replied the other; "And I live in 
the woods here with no more friends than if I were dead. But now 
that I have met such a friend as you, I feel as though I were starting 
life over again, surrounded by my relations. Please consider me 
your most devoted admirer." 

"Very well, let us be friends," said the Deer. And then, as the 
light of day was fading, the two went together to the Deer's home. 
At this same spot, on the branch of a Champak tree, lived the Deer's 
friend, Sharp-Sense, the Crow. Seeing the other two approaching 
together, Sharp-Sense called down: 

"Who is this Number Two, friend Deer?" 

"It is Small- Wit, the Jackal," answered the Deer. "He wants 
to be friends with us." 

"You should not be so ready to make friends with a stranger," 
replied Sharp-Sense. 

"Sir!" interrupted the Jackal, with some warmth, "On the day 
that you first met the Deer, were you not equally of unknown family 
and character? Yet I am told that the friendship between you has 
daily grown stronger. To be sure I am only Small-Wit, the Jackal, 
— but you know the old saying, 'In a land where there are no wise 
men, the men of small wit are Princes.' The Deer has accepted me 
as a friend, won't you do the same?" 

"What is the good of so much talking?" interrupted the Deer, 
"let us all three live together and be happy!" 



HINDOO FABLES 185 



"All right," said Sharp-Sense, "have it as you will." 

Accordingly, beginning the next morning, they all three set forth 
daily, each for his own feeding ground, returning to their common 
home at night. One day the Jackal led the Deer aside and whispered, 
"Friend Deer, in one corner of this wood there is a field full of sweet 
young wheat. Come with me and I will show you." So the Deer 
followed the Jackal, and learned where the wheat field lay. And 
after this he returned every day to eat the tender green wheat. At 
last the owner of the field spied the Deer, and set a snare for him ; 
and the next time that the Deer came to the field he found himself 
caught in a strong net. After struggling vainly for some time the 
Deer lifted up his voice and lamented: 

"Here I am, caught fast in this net, and it will truly be the net 
of death for me if no friend comes to my rescue!" 

Presently, Small-Wit, the Jackal, who had been lurking near by, 
made his appearance, and said to himself with a chuckle, "Oho ! My 
scheme begins to bear fruit. When the Deer is cut up, his bones 
and his gristle and his blood will fall to my share and will make me 
many delicious dinners!" At this moment the Deer caught sight 
of Small- Wit and called out joyfully, "Oh, my friend, this is indeed 
fortunate! If you will only gnaw through the meshes of this net I 
shall be free!" 

Small- Wit made no answer, but examined the net very carefully. 
"The net will certainly hold," he muttered to himself. Then, turn- 
ing to the Deer he added, "My good friend, these strings, as you see, 
are made of raw-hide; and since this is a fast day it would be a sin 
for me even to gnaw them. To-morrow morning, if you still wish me 
to, I shall be very glad to help you." 



186 ORIENTAL FABLES 

After the Jackal had gone the Crow, who, upon returning home 
had missed his friend the Deer, and had been seeking him every- 
where, suddenly discovered him in the net, and seeing his sad plight 
exclaimed: 

"How in the world did this happen to you, my poor friend?" 

"It happened through not taking a friend's advice," replied the 
Deer sadly. 

"Where is that villain, Small- Wit?" asked the Crow. 

"He is hanging around somewhere near by," answered the Deer 
miserably, "waiting for a taste of my flesh." 

"Well," sighed the Crow, "I warned you. I knew that treacher- 
ous Jackal would sooner or later play one of his evil tricks. There 
is nothing we can do until morning." 

When day broke the Crow saw the master of the field approach- 
ing with a heavy club in his hand. 

"Now friend Deer," said Sharp-Sense, "you must stiffen out your 
legs and lie very still, as if you were dead. I will hop around and 
pretend to peck at your eyes with my beak; and the moment I give 
a loud croak, you must spring up and take to your heels." 

The Deer stiffened out his legs and lay very still, just as the Crow 
had told him, and was soon discovered by the master of the field, 
whose eyes opened wide with delight. "Ah," said he, "the Deer has 
died of his own accord; that saves me the trouble of killing him." So 
saying, he released the Deer, and began to gather up his net. At 
that instant Sharp-Sense uttered a loud croak, and the Deer sprang 
up and made off at full speed. And the club, which the angry farmer 
hurled after him struck Small- Wit, the Jackal, who was skulking 
close by, and killed him. 

(Hitopadeqa. Book I. Fable 2. Adapted from translation by Sir Edwin Arnold.) 



HINDOO FABLES 187 



THE VULTURE, THE CAT AND THE BIRDS 

ON the banks of the Ganges River there is a cliff called Vul- 
ture-crag on which a fig-tree once grew. The tree was hol- 
low, and in its shelter lived an old Vulture, named Gray-Pate, whose 
sad fortune it was to have lost both eyes and talons. The other birds, 
that roosted in the branches of the tree felt sorry for the poor old 
fellow, and gave him a share of their food, and in that way he barely 
managed to live. When the summer season came the old tree echoed 
with the chirping of the young birds in the nests overhead. One 
day, when the parent birds were all gone away in search of food, 
a certain Cat, Long-Ear by name, came to the tree intending to make 
a dinner of some of the little birds in the nests. But at sight of 
the cat they set up such a shrill screaming that they roused up Gray- 
Pate: 

"Who comes here?" he croaked. When Long-Ear saw the old 
Vulture, he was badly frightened, but as it was too late to run away he 
decided to take his chances, and came nearer. "My Lord," he said, 
"I have the honour to salute you." 

"Who are you?" asked the blind Vulture. 

"Please your Lordship, I am a Cat," answered Long-Ear. 

"Be off with you, Cat, or I shall slay you," said the Vulture. 

"I am ready to die, if I deserve death," answered the Cat. "But 
first hear what I have to say. I am a good, pious Cat. I say my 
prayers, I bathe and I eat no meat. The birds who live in this tree 
are constantly praising you for your goodness and wisdom. Ac- 
cordingly, I have come here to ask you to teach me philosophy and 
law. 



188 ORIENTAL FABLES 

"Yes, but cats like meat, and there are young birds in this tree." 
"Sir," said the Cat, "I have overcome my wicked desire for meat, 
and have learned the Golden Rule, that our first duty is to refrain 
from harming any living thing." 

Thus the Cat won the old Vulture's confidence, entered the hollow 
tree, and lived there. And day after day he climbed the tree to 
steal some of the little birds, and brought them down into the hollow 
for his dinner. Meanwhile, the parent birds, whose little ones were 
being eaten, went searching for them in all quarters. Long-Ear 
becoming aware of this, and fearing detection, quietly slipped out of 
the hollow and made his escape. Afterwards, when the birds began 
to search nearer home, they found the bones of the young ones in 
the hollow of the tree, where the blind Gray-Pate lived. The birds 
at once decided that their nestlings had been killed and eaten by 
the old Vulture, and accordingly they executed him. 
(HUopadeqa. Book I. Fable 3. Adapted from translation by Sir Edwin Arnold.) 

GOLDEN-SKIN, THE MOUSE 

IN the town of Champaka there once lived a beggar Priest, named 
Chudakarna, whose habit was to place his begging-dish upon a 
certain shelf, with such food in it as he had not eaten, and go to sleep 
beside it. As soon as he slept, a certain Mouse named Golden- 
Skin, came out of its hole, jumped up on the shelf and devoured 
whatever food was left in the begging-dish. One day another beggar 
Priest, a close friend, named Vinakarna, came to pay a visit; and 
he noticed that all the while they were conversing, Chudakarna kept 
striking the ground with a split bamboo cane, to frighten the Mouse 
away. 



HINDOO FABLES 189 



"Why don't you listen to what I am saying?" asked Vinakarna. 

"I am listening," replied his friend. "But there is a plaguey little 
Mouse that is always trying to steal my dinner from my begging-dish." 

Vinakarna looked up at the shelf and said, "How can a Mouse jump 
as high as this? No ordinary Mouse could jump so high. There 
must be some good reason why this Mouse is so strong and active, 
though there would not seem to be any." 

Presently, after silent meditation, Vinakarna continued: 

"I think I understand. This is a very fat and prosperous Mouse; 
he must have hidden treasure. For everywhere in the world it is 
the prosperous and wealthy who are strong and rule others like 
kings. Let us seek and see if we cannot find this Mouse's treas- 
ure." 

The two friends procured a spade, found the mouse-hole and dug 
open Golden-Skin's secret hiding place, until they found his store 
of provisions, which they took away. After that, Golden-Skin being 
no longer able to eat regularly, but only when the beggar Priest 
was asleep, lost strength day by day, until he could no longer jump 
high enough to reach the shelf where the begging-dish stood. Before 
long he had scarcely energy enough to seek for his dinner at all, and 
crept about so miserably, looking for crumbs, that one day Chuda- 
karna easily hit him over the head with his split bamboo cane. 

(Hitopadeqa. Book L Fable 4. Adapted from translation by Sir Edwin Arnold.) 

THE DEATH OF THE GREEDY JACKAL 

ONCE in a town, called Happy Home, there lived a mighty 
Hunter, named Grim-Face. One day, wishing a little fresh 
venison for dinner, he took his bow and arrows and went into the 



190 ORIENTAL FABLES 

woods where he soon found and killed a Deer. As he was carrying 
the Deer home he came upon a wild Boar of huge size. Laying the 
Deer on the ground, he fixed and shot an arrow, wounding the Boar, 
which instantly rushed upon him with a roar louder than the roar of 
thunder, and ripped the Hunter open with his sharp tusks. The 
Hunter fell like a tree cut down by the axe, and lay dead between the 
Boar and a Snake, which had also been killed and crushed under their 
feet as they fought. Presently a Jackal, whose name was Howl- 
o'Nights, passed that way, prowling in search of food ; and his eye fell 
upon the Hunter, the Deer, the Boar and the Snake, all lying dead 
together. "Aha!" said Howl-o'Nights, "what luck! Good fortune 
can come, I see, as well as ill fortune. Now let me think: the man 
will make fine pickings for a month; the Deer and the Boar, between 
them, will last me two months more; the Snake will do for to-morrow; 
and, as I am unusually hungry, I will treat myself now to this bit 
of strong-smelling bow-string." 

So saying, the Jackal began to gnaw the sinew of which the bow- 
string was made. Presently, the string snapped apart, and the bow 
sprang back and pierced the heart of greedy Howl-o'Nights. 

(Hitopadeqa. Book I. Fable 6. Adapted from translation by Sir Edwin Arnold.) 

THE OLD JACKAL AND THE ELEPHANT 

IN the Forest of Brahma there lived an Elephant whose name was 
White-Front. The Jackals all knew him, and said among them- 
selves: "If that big brute would only die there would be four 
months' food, and plenty out of his carcass." At this, an old Jackal 
stood up and pledged himself to find some way to bring about the 



HINDOO FABLES 191 



death of the Elephant. Accordingly, he sought out White-Front 
and drawing near, greeted him reverentially: 

"Your Holiness," he said, "Do me the honour of casting your eyes 
upon me." 

"Who are you, and what do you want?" asked the Elephant. 

"I am only a Jackal," answered the other. "But the beasts of 
the forests have decided that it is not wise to live without a King. 
Accordingly, they have met in full council, and have sent me to in- 
form your Majesty that they have chosen you as Lord of the Forest. 
We beg that your Majesty will at once come to the council as a sign 
that you consent to be our Lord." 

So saying the Jackal led the way at a rapid pace, and was closely 
followed by White-Front, who was eager to begin his reign. Pres- 
ently the Jackal brought him to a deep swamp, into which he plunged 
heavily before he could stop himself. 

"Good Master Jackal," cried the Elephant, "What am I to do? I 
am up to my shoulders in this quagmire!" 

"Perhaps," replied the Jackal with an impudent laugh, "your 
Majesty will condescend to take hold of the tip of my tail with your 
trunk, and let me pull you out!" 

Then White-Front knew that he had been deceived. He sank 
deeper and deeper in the slime, and made many a meal for the Jackals. 

(Hitopadeca. Book I. Fable 8. Adapted from translation of Sir Edwin Arnold.) 

THE MONKEY AND THE WEDGE 

IN South Behar there was an open plot of ground on which a temple 
was being built. One of the carpenters at work upon the temple 
had partly sawed a long beam of wood in two, and after wedging it 
open had gone away, leaving the Wedge sticking in the saw-cut. 



192 ORIENTAL FABLES 

Presently a large troop of Monkeys came frolicking through the trees, 
and upon reaching the clearing began to sport among the timbers 
of the half-finished temple. One of these Monkeys, unconscious of 
approaching fate, got astride of the half-sawed beam and grasping 
the Wedge, swung himself down into the cleft, so that his tail and 
legs dangled between the two halves of the beam. Not content with 
this, in the spirit of mischief natural to all Monkeys, he began to 
tug at the Wedge, until at last it yielded and slipped out, whereupon 
the wood closed in upon him and jammed him fast. So perished the 
Monkey, miserably crushed, the victim of his inquisitive meddling. 

(Hitopadeqa. Book II. Fable I. Adapted from translation by Sir Edwin Arnold.) 

THE WASHERMAN'S JACKASS 

THERE once lived in Benares a Washerman named Carpurapa- 
taka, who kept an Ass and a Dog in his courtyard, the former 
tethered, and the latter running at large. One day the Washerman, 
who had been lately married, was spending the morning in the com- 
pany of his wife, when a thief entered the house and began to carry 
out his valuables. Seeing what the thief was doing, the Ass was 
much disturbed. 

"Friend Dog," he said, "this is your business. Why do you not 
bark loudly and rouse our master?" 

"Friend Ass," replied the Dog, "leave me to guard this place in 
my own way. I can do it quite well if I choose. But the truth is 
that our master has felt so safe lately that he quite forgets me, and I 
no longer get regularly fed. Masters are all like that. And a little 
scare will help to make him remember me." 

"You wretched cur!" exclaimed the Ass, "what sort of a servant 
would stop for pay when there is work to be done?" 



HINDOO FABLES 193 



"You out-and-out Ass," returned the Dog, "what sort of a master 
would grudge the pay after the work is done?" 

"You are a mean-spirited beast," retorted the Ass, "to neglect your 
duty. Well, I at least will do my best to warn him!" 

So saying, the Ass put forth his very loudest braying. The 
Washerman, disturbed by the noise, hurried out, and missing the 
thief, who had taken flight, turned in a rage upon the Ass and beat it 
soundly with a cudgel. 

(Hitopadeqa. Book II. Fable 2. Adapted from translation by Sir Edwin Arnold.) 

THE CAT WHO SERVED THE LION 

FAR away in the North, on a mountain called Thousand-Crags, 
there lived a Lion named Mighty-Heart. This Lion was much 
troubled by a little Mouse that ran out of its hole and nibbled the 
Lion's mane while he lay asleep in his den. The Lion would wake 
up very angry when he found that the ends of his magnificent mane 
were all ragged and torn ; but the little Mouse had run back into its 
hole and he could never catch it. After much thinking the Lion 
went down to a village where he found a Cat named Curd-Ear, which, 
with a great deal of trouble, and many promises, he persuaded to go 
back home with him. He fed the Cat like a Princess on all kinds 
of dainty food, while he himself slept peacefully without fear that his 
mane would be nibbled — for now the Mouse never dared to venture 
out of its hole. Whenever the Lion even heard the faint scratching 
of the Mouse in its hole, he always took that as a signal for giving 
the Cat an especially fine dinner. But one day, the unhappy Mouse, 
who was nearly starved, found courage to creep timidly out from his 
hole, when he was at once pounced upon by Curd-Ear, and killed. 



194 ORIENTAL FABLES 

After that the Lion no longer heard the scratching of the Mouse, 
and so quite forgot to give the Cat any more dinners. 

(Hitopadeqa. Book II. Fable 3. Adapted from translation by Sir Edwin Arnold.) 

THE TERRIBLE BELL 

A THIEF had stolen a Bell from the city of Brahmaputra, and was 
making off with it into the mountains, when he was killed by 
a Tiger. The Bell lay in the jungle until some Monkeys picked it up, 
and amused themselves by ringing it all the time. The townspeople 
found the bones of the man, and heard the sound of the Bell all 
about the hills; so they gave out that there was a terrible devil in 
those hills, named Swing-Ear, whose ears rang like bells as he swung 
them about, and whose great pleasure was to eat up men. The peo- 
ple were so afraid of this devil that they were all leaving the town, 
when an old peasant woman came to see the Rajah, or ruler of the 
town, and said to him: 

"Your Highness, if you will pay me for it I can settle this devil, 
Swing-Ear." 

"Can you really?" exclaimed the Rajah. 

"I think I can," repeated the woman. 

"Then you shall be paid at once," said the Rajah. 

The old peasant woman accepted the money, and set out for the 
hills, taking some fruit with her of the kind the Monkeys like. 
When she had reached the hills, she scattered the fruit up and down 
in the woods, and then hid herself and sat down to watch. Very soon 
the Monkeys found the fruit, and started to eat it, first putting down 
their Bell. The old woman softly stole up, seized the Bell, and took 
it back to town, where she was ever afterwards held in great honour. 

(Hitopadeqa. Book II. Fable 4. Adapted from translation by Sir Edwin Arnold.) 




THEY AMUSED THEMSELVES BY RINGING IT ALL THE TIME. 



-Page 19$ 



HINDOO FABLES 195 



THE BLACK SNAKE AND THE GOLDEN CHAIN 

A PAIR of Crows had built their nest in the branches of a cer- 
tain hollow tree. In the hollow lived a big black Snake, which 
had often climbed up the tree to the nest and eaten the baby Crows. 
One day, when there was a new nest full of little Crows, the mother 
bird said to her mate : 

"Husband, we ought to have left this tree; we shall never raise 
any little ones so long as the black Snake lives here!" 

"My dear," replied the father Crow, "you need not be afraid, I 
have put up with that wicked black Snake until I am tired. Now 
I am going to put an end to him." 

"But how can put put an end to a big black Snake like that?" 
asked the mother bird. 

"My dear," replied her mate, "have no fear, but help me with the 
plan that I have made. The King's son comes here every day to 
bathe in the stream. When he takes off his gold anklet and lays it 
on the stone, you must fly down, take it in your beak, and drop it 
into the hollow of the tree." 

Shortly afterward the King's son came, as usual, to bathe. After 
he had taken off his clothes and ornaments, the Hen-Crow flew down, 
as her mate had told her, seized the anklet in her beak, and dropped 
it into the hollow of the tree. Presently, when the King's son came 
out of the water, he missed his golden anklet, and his servants began 
hunting for it everywhere. When they searched in the hollow of 
the tree they found not only the golden anklet, but also the big black 
Snake, which they immediately killed. 

(Hilopadeqa. Book II. Fable 7. Adapted from translation by Sir Edwin Arnold.) 



196 ORIENTAL FABLES 

THE LION AND THE OLD HARE 

IN the Mandara mountain there once lived a Lion named Fierce- 
Heart, who was continually killing and devouring the other 
wild animals. Matters at last became so had that all the beasts of 
field and woods held a public meeting, and drew up a respectful 
remonstrance to the Lion in these words: 

"Wherefore should your majesty thus make carnage of us all? 
If it please you, we ourselves will every day furnish one animal for 
your majesty's dinner." 

The Lion replied: "If such an arrangement suits you better, all 
right. I am satisfied." So from that time on one beast was daily 
allotted to the Lion and daily devoured by him. At last came the 
day when it was the turn of an old Hare to supply the royal dinner. 
This old Hare, as he went on his way to give himself up, reflected 
as follows: 

"At the worst I can but die, so I may as well take my own time 
in going to my death." 

Now it happened that Fierce-Heart, the Lion, was unusually hun- 
gry; and seeing the Hare approaching quite slowly, he roared out 
angrily, "How dare you keep me waiting like this?" 

"Sire," answered the old Hare, "the blame is not mine. I was de- 
layed on the road by another Lion who made me swear that I would 
come back and give myself up to him, as soon as I had explained 
to your majesty." 

"Come!" cried Fierce-Heart, in a mighty rage, "show me instantly 
where this insolent villain of a Lion lives!" 

Accordingly, the Hare led the way until he came to a very deep 



HINDOO FABLES 197 



well, whereat he stopped and said: "Let my Lord, the King, come 
hither and behold his rival." 

The Lion approached, and looking down into the well beheld 
his own image reflected in the water. Whereupon, with an angry 
roar, he flung himself into the well, and perished. 

(Hitopadeqa. Book II. Fable 8. Adapted from translation by Sir Edwin Arnold.) 

THE WEAVER BIRDS AND THE MONKEYS 

NEAR the bank of the Nerbudda River there stood a wide branch- 
ing Silk-cotton-tree in which a large colony of Weaver Birds 
had built their hanging nests, and lived snugly in them, no matter 
how bad the weather. It was the rainy season, and the heavens were 
overspread with heavy clouds like sheets of blue-black indigo, and 
there was a steady and tremendous down-pour of water. The birds 
looked out from their nests and saw some Monkeys shivering and half- 
dead with the cold, standing under the tree. 

"Twit-twit! Twit-twit!" they began to chirp. "Listen to us, you 
Monkeys. We birds build warm, cosy nests with no help but our 
beaks. Why can't you do as much, with your nimble hands and 
feet, instead of sitting in the drenching rain?" 

On hearing this the Monkeys were quite angry. 

"O-ho !" they said. "The birds in their snug nests are making fun 
of us, but just wait until the rain is over!" 

Accordingly, as soon as the weather had cleared the Monkeys 
climbed the Silk-cotton-tree and broke all the Weaver Birds' eggs and 
destroyed their nests. 

(Hitopadeqa. Book HI. Fable 1. Adapted from translation by Sir Edwin Arnold.) 



198 ORIENTAL FABLES 

THE ASS IN A TIGER'S SKIN 

IN the city of Hastinapura there once dwelt a Washerman named 
Vilasa. This Washerman had a Jackass which had grown so 
weak from carrying too heavy loads, that he looked as though he 
would soon die. His master covered the sick animal with a Tiger's 
skin, and turned him loose in a corn field, which lay along the edge 
of a jungle. The owners of the field, from time to time, caught a 
glimpse of the Ass from a distance ; but thinking that he was a Tiger 
which had wandered out of the jungle, they ran away. But one day, 
the watchman who guarded the field disguised himself with a cover- 
ing of grey cloth; and armed with a bow and arrow, crept into one end 
of the field on his hands and knees. The Ass, now once more fat 
and lively from the strength given him by daily feeding upon the 
corn r said to himself: 

"That grey thing over there looks to me like one of my own kind, 
perhaps a young female Ass. I will go over and get acquainted." 
Hereupon, he galloped eagerly toward the watchman, lifting up 
his voice as he went. The braying told the watchman that, instead 
of a Tiger, this was nothing but a Jackass, and in his disgust at having 
had his trouble for nothing, he drew his bow and shot him through 
the heart. 

( Hitojfadeqa. Book HI. Fable 2. Adapted from translation by Sir Edwin Arnold.) 

THE DYED JACKAL 

ONCE upon a time a Jackal was prowling about the outskirts 
of a town, when he slipped and fell into a tank of blue dye. 
Finding that he could not get out, he lay down in the tank and pre- 



HINDOO FABLES 199 



tended to be dead. Pretty soon the dyer came back, and finding 
what looked like a dead Jackal, carried him* into the woods and there 
threw him away. Left to himself, the Jackal found that his natural 
colour had been changed to a splendid blue. 

"Really," he said to himself, "I am now of the most magnificent 
colour. Why should I not use it to my own advantage?" With this 
idea in mind, he called the other Jackals together and thus addressed 
them: 

"Good people, the Goddess of the Wood, with her own divine 
hand, and with all the magic herbs of the forest, has annointed me 
your new King. Behold the colour of royalty! From now on you 
may do nothing without my Kingly permission." 

The Jackals, dazzled by the royal colour, could do nothing else 
than kneel at his feet and promise obedience. Thus began the reign 
of the Blue Jackal, which presently extended to the Lions and the 
Tigers. When attended by such high-born subjects as these, he al- 
lowed himself to despise the Jackals, and kept them at a distance as 
though he were ashamed of them. This made the Jackals very 
angry. But one of them, who was a wise old beast, comforted them 
as follows: 

"Leave the impudent fellow to me, for I have a plan to ruin him. 
These Lions and Tigers think he is a King because he has been dyed 
blue. What we must do is to show him to them in his true colours. 
When the evening-time comes we must all close about him and set 
up a great cry together. When he hears us he is sure to join in just 
as he used to do. And when he joins in the Tigers will know that 
he is nothing but a Jackal, and will fall upon him and destroy him." 

Everything happened just as their wise old counsellor had fore- 



200 ORIENTAL FABLES 

■ ■ ^ M ^ MM ^ M ^ MM „ mal m ■■■.! —I 

told ; and the Dyed Jackal met the fate deserved by those who desert 

their own party. 

(Hitopadeqa. Book III. Fable 7. Adapted from translation by Sir Edwin Arnold.) 

THE HERONS AND THE MONGOOSE 

NEAR a mountain named Eagle-Cliff, there once grew a fig tree 
in which a flock of Herons had their nests. In a hollow at 
the foot of the tree there lived a Serpent, who was all the time eating 
up the baby Herons. Loud were the cries of the father and mother 
birds, until one day an old Heron gave them his advice: 

"You must bring some fishes from the pool and lay them, one by 
one, in a line from the hole over yonder where a Mongoose lives, down 
to the hollow where the Serpent has his home. When the Mongoose 
comes to get the fishes he will find the Serpent, and when he finds the 
Serpent he will kill him." 

The advice seemed good, so the Herons flew down to the pool and 
quickly brought many fishes which they laid in a long line all the 
way from the hole of the Mongoose down to the hollow where the 
Serpent lived. Pretty soon the Mongoose came to get the fishes, 
and at last he found the Serpent. But while he was killing it the 
Mongoose heard the cries of the young Herons. So after that he 
climbed up the tree, day after day, until he had eaten up all the young 
Herons that the Snake had left. 

{Hitopadeqa. Book IV. Fable 4. Adapted from translation by Sir Edwin Arnold.) 

THE HERMIT AND THE MOUSE 

IN the forest of the Sage Gautama there once dwelt a Hermit, 
named Mighty-at-Prayer. Once as he sat at his frugal meal, a 
young Mouse, dropped from the beak of a Crow, fell beside him. 



HINDOO FABLES 201 



The Hermit took up the Mouse tenderly and fed it with rice grains. 
Some time later the Hermit saw a Cat chasing his new little friend, 
intending to devour it; whereupon, using his saintly power, he 
changed the Mouse itself into a large, vigorous cat. The Cat, how- 
ever, soon found itself a good deal troubled by Dogs, whereupon, the 
Saint again changed it, this time into a Dog. As they dwelt in the 
forest the Dog was always in danger from prowling Tigers; accord- 
ingly, his protector once more changed him, into a Tiger — all the 
time thinking of him and treating him as nothing more or less than 
a Mouse. Even the country folk as they passed by would say: 
"That a Tiger? Not he! He is nothing but a Mouse that the 
Saint has transformed." The Mouse hearing this, constantly, be- 
came angry and said to himself, "So long as my master lives this 
shameful story of my origin will be remembered." 

With this thought in mind he was about to take the Saint's life, 
when the latter, who had the power of reading people's thoughts, 
turned the ungrateful beast back into his original shape. 

(Hitopadeqa. Book IV. Fable 5. Adapted from the translation by Sir Edwin 

Arnold.) 

THE CRANE AND THE CRAB 

ONCE upon a time there lived in a pool called Lily-Water, an 
old Crane. As he stood one day in the shallows, with a 
most discouraged look, and a drooping bill, a Crab noticed him and 
called out: 

"Friend Crane! Have you given up eating, that you stand there 
all day?" 

"No, friend Crab," replied the old Crane, "I love my dinner of 



202 ORIENTAL FABLES 

fish as well as ever. But I have heard the fishermen saying that 
they are going to catch every fish that swims in these waters — so 
what I am to live on, I am sure I don't know. I must make up my 
mind to die." 

All the fishes heard what the Crane said, and they said to one 
another, "This is a matter in which we are as much interested as 
the Crane. We had better ask his advice." Accordingly, they went 
to him and said: 

"Good Crane, what can be done to save us?" 

"There is only one way to save yourselves," replied the Crane, 
"and that is to go away. I will carry you, one by one, to another pool, 
if you want me to." 

"Oh, please do, good Crane," said the trembling fishes. 

The Crane, accordingly, carried them away, one by one, and after 
eating them came back each time and said that he had placed each 
fish safely in the other pool. Last of all, the Crab asked him to 
carry her; and the Crane, thinking how good the Crab's tender flesh 
would taste, took her up with great apparent respect. But when they 
reached the spot to which the Crane had carried the fishes, the Crab 
saw that the ground was covered with fish bones, and knew what 
fate was in store for her. So twisting around she fastened her claws 
upon the throat of the Crane, and tore it so that he quickly perished. 

(Hitopadega. Book IV. Fable 6. Adapted from the translation by Sir Edwin 

Arnold.) 

THE BRAHMAN AND THE PANS 

ONCE upon a time in the city of Varna, there lived a Brahman 
whose name was Deva Sarman. At the Equinoctial Feast 
of the Dussara he received the gift of a dish of flour, which he took 



HINDOO FABLES 203 



with him to a Potter's shed; and there he lay down in the shade, 
staff in hand, among the pots. As he thus reclined, he began to 
meditate after the following fashion : 

"I can sell this flour for at least ten Cowrie-shells, and with them 
I can purchase some of these pots and sell them at a profit. With 
all that money I can buy a stock of betel-nuts and body-cloths and 
make a new profit by selling them; and so I can go on buying and 
trading until I get a Lakh of Rupees — what's to prevent me? Then 
I shall marry four young wives — at least, one of them shall be both 
young and beautiful, and she shall be my favourite. Of course the 
other three will be jealous; but if they quarrel and talk too much 
and make themselves troublesome, I shall beat them like this — and 
this — and this — " And so saying, he flourished his staff with such 
vigour that he not only smashed his own meal-dish, but also broke 
several of the Potter's jars. The Potter, rushing in, caught him by 
the throat and threw him out of the shed, and so ended the Brahman's 
dreams of a Lakh of Rupees. 

Who, e'er he makes a gain has spent it, 

Like the Pot-breaker, will repent it. 

(Hitopadeqcu Book IV. Fable 7. Adapted from the translation by Sir Edwin 

Arnold.) 

THE BRAHMAN AND THE THREE GOATS 

A CERTAIN Brahman, or holy priest, who lived in the forest 
of Gautama, had gone to buy a goat for a sacrifice, and was 
returning home with it hanging across his shoulders when he was 
seen by three rogues. 

"If we could only get that goat," said the three rogues to one 



204 ORIENTAL FABLES 

another, "it would be a fine trick!" So they made their plans and 
ran on ahead of the Brahman through the woods, and seated them- 
selves at the foot of three different trees by the side of the road, that 
the Brahman was following. 

Presently the Brahman came up with the first of the three rogues, 
who said to him: "Master, why are you carrying that dog on your 
shoulders?" 

"Dog!" said the Brahman, "it is no dog, but a goat for sacrifice." 
And he continued on his way home. A mile or two further he came 
upon the second rogue, who called out, "Master, what are you doing 
with that dog that you carry on your shoulder?" 

The Brahman laid the goat down on the ground, looked it all over, 
took it up again upon his shoulder and walked on with his mind 
in a whirl. Presently he came upon the third rogue who called out 
to him, "Master, why are you carrying that dog on your shoulder?" 

On hearing this question for the third time the Brahman threw 
down the goat, washed himself clean in the river, and went home 
without his sacrifice. But the three rogues seized the goat, cooked it, 
and had a fine dinner. 

Never believe a rogue, although you hate a lie, 
Or, like the Brahman, you'll be sorry by-and-by. 

(Hitopadeqa. Book IV. Fable 9. Adapted from the translation by Sir Edwin 

Arnold. J 

THE CAMEL, THE LION AND HIS COURT 

A CAMEL who had strayed from a Caravan, wandered into a 
forest in which there dwelt a Lion named Fierce-Fangs. Three 
of the Lion's Courtiers, the Tiger, the Jackal and the Crow, met the 
Camel and at once conducted him into the presence of their King. 



HINDOO FABLES 205 



The Camel, when questioned, was able to give a satisfactory account 
of himself, and the Lion took him into his royal service, under the 
name of Crop -Ear. Now it happened that the rainy season was 
very severe, and the Lion became too ill to go hunting. Conse- 
quently, there was much difficulty in obtaining sufficient food for 
the Court. Accordingly, the Courtiers agreed among themselves 
to persuade the Lion to kill the Camel. "For what interest have we," 
they asked, "in this Browser of thistles?" 

"What indeed!" observed the Tiger. "But will the King kill 
him, think you, after giving his promise of protection?" 

"When he finds himself starving, he will consent," said the Crow. 
"Know you not the saying: 

Hunger hears not, cares not, spares not ; no boon from the starv- 
ing beg; 
When the Snake is pinched with craving, verily she eats her 

egg-" 
Accordingly, they presented themselves before the Lion. 

"Hast brought me food, fellow?" growled the King. 

"None, may it please your Majesty," said the Crow. 

"Must we starve then?" asked the Lion. 

"Not unless you reject the food that is before you, Sire," rejoined 
the Crow. 

"Before me? What do you mean?" 

"I mean," replied the Crow (and hereupon he whispered softly 
in the Lion's ear), "Crop-Ear, the Camel!" 

"Never!" said the Lion, and he stooped and touched the ground, 
and afterwards both his ears as he spoke, "I have given the Camel 
my pledge for safety, and how should I slay him?" 

"Nay, Sire, I said not slay," replied the Crow. "But it may be 



206 ORIENTAL FABLES 

that he will offer himself for food. To that your Majesty would 
surely not object?" 

"I am parlous hungry," murmured the King. 

Thereupon the Crow departed to find the Camel; and having sum- 
moned all the Court into the presence of the King, under some pre- 
tence or other, he spoke as follows : 

"Sire, all our efforts have come to nothing; we can find no food and 
see Thee, our Lord and Master, pining away. Take me, therefore, 
your Majesty, and break your fast upon me." 

"Good Crow," said the Lion, "I had liefer die than do so." 

"Will your Majesty deign to make a repast off of me?" asked the 
Jackal. 

"Not on any account," replied the Lion. 

"Condescend, my Lord," said the Tiger, "to appease your noble 
hunger with my poor flesh!" 

"Impossible!" responded the Lion. 

Thereupon, Crop-Ear, not to be behind in what seemed quite safe, 
made offer of his own carcase, and barely had time for regret, since his 
offer was accepted before he had finished speaking. The Tiger in- 
stantly sprang upon his flank, and all the rest promptly joined in the 

feast. 

(Hitopadeca. Book IV. Fable 10. Adapted from the translation by Sir Edwin 

Arnold.) 

THE FROGS AND THE OLD SERPENT 

IN a deserted garden there once lived an old Serpent, named Slow- 
Coil. He was so very old that he could no longer catch mice 
or other animals for food. As he lay, one day, by the edge of a pond, 
a certain Frog saw him there and asked him: 



HINDOO FABLES 207 



"Are you so old, Serpent, that you no longer care to eat?" 

"Leave me, kind sir," replied the subtle reptile; "The troubles of a 
poor wretch like me cannot interest your noble mind." 

"Let me at least hear them," said the Frog somewhat flattered. 

"You must know then, kind sir," began the Serpent, "that twenty 
years ago, in Brahmapootra, I bit the son of Kaundinya, a holy Brah- 
man, from which cruel bite he died. Seeing his boy dead, Kaun- 
dinya, in his sorrow and despair cursed me with the curse that I 
should be a carrier of Frogs. So here I am, waiting to do as the 
Brahman's curse compels me." 

The Frog, after hearing all this, went and told it to Web-Foot, 
the Frog King, who quickly came to take a ride on the Serpent. He 
was carried so carefully, and was so delighted with his ride, that after 
that he used the Serpent all the time. But one day, seeing that the 
Serpent moved very slowly, he asked what was the matter. 

"Please, your Majesty," explained the Serpent, "your slave has 
nothing to eat." 

"Eat a few of my Frogs," said the King, "I give you leave." 

"I thank your Majesty," answered the Serpent, and at once he 
began to eat the Frogs. Before long he had emptied the pond of 
all the King's Frogs, and finished by eating the King himself. 

(Hitopadeca. Book IV. Fable 11. Adapted from the translation by Sir Edwin 

Arnold.) 

THE SPARROW, THE WOODPECKER, THE FLY, THE 
FROG AND THE ELEPHANT 

IN a certain forest there dwelt a pair of Sparrows whose nest was 
in a Tamala tree. One day an Elephant, made crazy by the heat 
of summer, came rushing through the forest, and seizing the branch on 



208 ORIENTAL FABLES 

which the Sparrows had their nest, tore it off, breaking all the eggs 
and nearly killing the father and mother birds. The mother Spar- 
row, mourning for her eggs, poured forth her lamentations, and re- 
fused to be comforted. Her friend the Woodpecker heard her sorrow- 
ful complaint, and pitying her, came to see what she could do to 
help her. 

"If you are really my friend," said the Sparrow, "and wish to 
console me, you will help me to find some way to destroy this wicked 
Elephant, who has robbed me of my little ones." 

"I have a friend," said the Woodpecker, "a fly named Bumble- 
Bumble. Let us go and ask him what we can do to destroy this 
wicked, cruel Elephant." So the Woodpecker and the Sparrow went 
to find the Fly. When they found him, the Woodpecker said: 

"Dear Bumble-Bumble, my friend the Sparrow has been cruelly 
wronged by a wicked Elephant, who has destroyed her nest, and 
broken all her eggs. I want you to tell us how we shall kill this 
Elephant." 

"I have a friend," said the Fly, "a Frog called Thunder-Throat. 
We will ask him to advise us what to do." 

So they all three went to find Thunder-Throat, and told him the 
whole story. 

"Not even an Elephant," said Thunder-Throat, "can protect him- 
self against a number of justly angry enemies, if they act together. 
I have a plan which we must follow carefully. You, Bumble-Bumble, 
must go at mid-day and buzz so softly in the Elephant's ear that it will 
sound to him like the sweetest music, and he will close his eyes with 
pleasure. Then the Woodpecker must peck out the Elephant's eyes. 
When he is blind, and tormented with thirst, he will hear me and my 
brothers croaking loudly on the edge of a precipice. Thinking that 



HINDOO FABLES 209 



we are in a pond he will dash forward over the precipice, and be 
killed." 

It was all done just as Thunder-Throat had planned. The Fly 
buzzed sweetly; the Elephant closed his eyes in pleasure; he was 
blinded by the Woodpecker; and as he dashed about, wild with pain 
and thirst, he followed the voice of the Frogs, fell over the precipice, 
and was dashed to pieces. 

Moral. In union there is strength. 

(Panchatantra. Vol. I. Chapter 16.) 

THE MOUSE METAMORPHOSED INTO A GIRL 

ONCE on the bank of the River Ganges, a certain Holy Man, 
named Yajnavalkya, was bathing and purifying himself, when 
a Mouse, escaping from the beak of a Falcon, dropped into the palm 
of his hand. When the Holy Man saw the Mouse, he placed it upon 
a fig leaf, bathed himself once more, and performed other acts of 
purification, and by the force of his austerity and holiness succeeded 
in changing the Mouse into a little Girl. Upon returning home, 
Yajnavalkya gave the little Girl to his Wife, who had no children 
of her own, and said to her: 

"Dear Wife, take this little Girl and bring her up with tender 
care, as though she were in truth our own daughter." So the Girl 
was brought up lovingly and with watchful care, until she had reached 
a marriageable age. When Yajnavalkya's Wife saw that the Girl 
was old enough to marry, she said to her husband: 

"Dear husband, do you not see that it is high time that our daugh- 
ter was given in marriage?" 

"That is well said," answered Yajnavalkya, "and I shall give her 



210 ORIENTAL FABLES 

to a husband worthy of her, and to none other. But it is the right 
of every young Girl to choose her own husband. If it is pleasing 
to her, I will call the venerable Sun, and give her to him in mar- 
riage." 

"There can be no harm in that; do so by all means," answered 
the Wife. 

So the Holy Man summoned the Sun by the help of mystic 
formulas; and the Sun at once appeared. 

"Venerable Sir, why do you summon me?" he asked. 

Yajnavalkya replied: "Here is my daughter. If she will choose 
you, it is my wish that you should marry her." Then turning to 
his daughter, he said: "My daughter, this is the venerable Sun, 
who lights the Three Worlds, will you choose him?" 

"My father," replied the Girl, "The Sun is too ardent; I do not 
want him. Call some one else greater than he." 

When the Holy Man heard these words of his daughter, he said to 
the Sun, "Venerable Sun, is there any other who is greater than thou?" 

The Sun replied, "The Cloud is more powerful than I; for when 
covered by him, I become invisible." 

Then Yajnavalkya summoned the Cloud, and said to his daughter: 

"My child, I will give you in marriage to this one, if he pleases 
you." 

"No," replied the Girl, "he is too black and cold, give me to some 
one greater than he." 

Then the Holy Man said: "Oh, Cloud, is there any other superior 
to thee?" 

The Cloud replied, "The Wind is superior to me. When beaten 
by the Wind, I scatter into a thousand pieces." 

When Yajnavalkya heard this, he summoned the Wind, and said: 



HINDOO FABLES 211 



"My daughter, here is the Wind, who seems in all ways to be the 
proper husband for you." 

"My father," she replied, "the Wind is too variable. Summon 
some one else more powerful than the Wind." 

The Holy Man asked, "Oh, Wind, is there any one who is greater 
than thou?" 

The Wind replied, "The Mountain is greater than I; for, strong as 
I am, the Mountain can stop and hold me back." 

Then Yajnavalkya summoned the Mountain, and said: "My 
daughter, if the Mountain pleases you I will give you to him in mar- 
riage." 

"Father," answered the Girl, "the Mountain is too harsh and rough. 
I pray you, give me to some one else." 

The Holy Man said to the Mountain, "Oh, King of the Mountains, 
is there any one greater than thou?" 

The Mountain replied, "The Rats are more powerful than I; for, 
by the force of their constant gnawing they pierce holes in me, and 
tear my body asunder." 

Accordingly, Yajnavalkya summoned a Rat, showed him to his 
daughter, and said, "My daughter, I will give you to this King of the 
Rats; do you choose him as a husband?" 

When the Girl saw the Rat she thought to herself, "Here at last 
is one of my own species;" and, trembling with joy, she said: 

"Father, change me once again into a Mouse, and give me to the 
Rat, that I may perform the household duties ordained for one of my 
own species." 

Accordingly, the Holy Man, by virtue of his great austerity and 
holiness, uttered the proper charms and incantations, changed the 
Girl once more into a Mouse, and gave her to the Rat in marriage. 

(Panchatantra. Vol. HI. Chapter 13.) 



212 ORIENTAL FABLES 

THE LION AND THE JACKAL 

IN a certain part of a forest there lived a Lion named Pointed-Claws. 
One day this Lion roamed hither and thither, his stomach lean 
with hunger, without meeting a single animal. But at the hour of 
sunset he came upon a great cave in the mountains, and entered it, 
thinking to himself, "Surely some animal must possess this Cave, 
and will return to it at night. So I will hide myself and wait." 

Presently, the possessor of the cave, who was a Jackal named Curd- 
Tail, returned home, and discovered the line of Lion's foot-prints lead- 
ing into the Cave, but none coming out again. "Alas ! I am a dead 
Jackal!" he said to himself. "There must surely be a Lion hidden 
in this Cave. What shall I do? How shall I find out whether a 
Lion is there or not?" 

After a little reflection, the Jackal took his stand at the mouth of 
the Cave, and began to call out: 

"Hello, Cave! Hello, Cave!" 

Then after a brief silence he began again, "Say, Cave, have you 
forgotten our agreement that whenever I came home I was always 
to call out to you before entering, and that you were to answer? If 
you don't call back to me, off I go to another Cave, which will an- 



swer me." 



When the Lion heard this he thought, "Evidently this Cave is in 
the habit of answering the Jackal when he comes home. But to- 
night it says nothing because of its fear of me. I will myself call 
to the Jackal, so that he will think that it is the Cave speaking, and 
will come in, and I shall have my dinner." 

Thus thinking, the Lion called to the Jackal. The Cave was filled 



HINDOO FABLES 213 



with the echoes of his roaring, and sent terror to the hearts of all 
the forest animals far and wide. The Jackal fled in all haste, saying 
to himself: 

"He who acts with circumspection is happy: he who acts without 
circumspection will regret it. I have grown old in the forest, but 
never yet have I seen or heard a talking Cave." 

(Panchatantra. Vol. HI. Chapter 15.) 

THE MONKEY AND THE CROCODILE 

IN a certain spot near the Sea grew a great Jambon Tree, always 
full of fruit. And in this tree dwelt a Monkey, called Red-Chin. 
One day a Crocodile, named Fierce- Jaws, came up out of the water, 
and seeing the Monkey in the Jambon Tree, fell to talking to him, 
and soon they became good friends. After this the Crocodile often 
came to spend the day with the Monkey, under the shadow of the 
Jambon Tree, and the hours passed happily in pleasant talk. When 
the Crocodile returned home, he always gave his Wife such part of 
the fruit of the Jambon Tree as was left from his luncheon. But 
one day the Crocodile's Wife asked : 

"My Lord, where do you find this kind of fruit, which has the 
taste of ambrosia?" 

"My dear," answered Fierce-Jaws, "I have a dear friend, a Monkey 
named Red-Chin, who gives me this fruit because of his affection 
for me." 

Then said the Crocodile's Wife, "Whoever eats always of such 
fruit as this must have a heart of ambrosia. If you want to keep 
me for your wife, get me the Monkey's heart, so that I may eat it 
and thus preserve myself from old age and death." 



214 ORIENTAL FABLES 

"My dear," answered the Crocodile, "do not ask this of me, for 
the Monkey has become to me like a second brother." 

Then the Crocodile's wife said: "Never before have you refused 
me anything! This Monkey you talk of must be some other Cro- 
codile's Wife! — Or, if not, what is a Monkey to you? If you do 
not bring me his heart to eat, I will starve myself, and the blame 

of my death will rest on you!" 

Much troubled, the Crocodile took his way back to the Monkey. 
The latter seeing him approaching so late and so sadly, called down 
to him: 

"Friend Fierce-Jaw, why so late, and why so sad?" 

"Friend Red-Chin," replied the Crocodile, "My Wife has been say- 
ing hard things to me. She says that I spend all my days with you, 
and never bring you back to our house. If I fail to bring you back 
to-day, she vows that she will never look upon me again." 

"Friend Fierce- Jaw," said the Monkey, "your Wife is in the right. 
But I make my home in the forest and you make yours in the midst 
of the waters. How could I go there with you? Instead, bring 
your Wife here, so that I may receive her blessing." 

"Friend Red-Chin," said the Crocodile, "our home is on a very 
agreeable island, even though it is in the midst of the Sea. Mount 
upon my back, and you shall journey thither pleasantly and without 
danger." 

The Monkey replied, "Dear friend, if that, is so let us hasten. 
I will at once mount upon your back." 

Presently, the Monkey, riding upon the back of the Crocodile, 
found himself surrounded by bottomless water, and his heart was 
filled with fear. "Brother," he said, "go carefully, carefully, for 
my body is washed by the waves." 



HINDOO FABLES 215 



When the Crocodile heard this he said to himself, "Now that we 
have reached deep water the Monkey is in my power; seated upon 
my hack, he cannot escape me by the width of a single sesame seed. 
I will tell him my true purpose, so that he may have a chance to call 
upon his Gods for help." Thereupon he said to the Monkey: 

"Friend Red-Chin, I want to tell you that I have taken advantage 
of your confidence to bring you out here, in order to kill you by my 
Wife's commands. Call upon your patron Saints to save you." 

"Brother," said the Monkey, "what harm have I done to your 
Wife or to you, that you should wish to kill me?" 

"You have done nothing," replied the Crocodile, "but my Wife 
wants to eat your heart, because it is steeped in the juice of the 
ambrosial fruits on which you feed. That is the sole reason for 
what I have done." 

Hearing this the Monkey, who was quick-witted, rejoined: 

"My dear friend, why did you not tell me this before we started? 
I always keep my heart hidden in the hollow of the Jambon Tree. 
Of course I will give it to your Wife, but what a pity you brought me 
away without it." 

When the Crocodile heard this he cried out joyfully: 

"My dear fellow, I will take you back at once to the Jambon Tree 
and you can give me your heart to take to my Wife and keep her 
from starving herself." 

The Monkey, who had said at least a hundred silent prayers, did 
not wait until they reached dry land, but took a long flying leap to 
shore. Then swinging himself up to safety in the tree, he con- 
gratulated himself that he was still alive. 

"Hurry up," called out the Crocodile, "and give me your heart for 
my Wife to eat." 



216 ORIENTAL FABLES 

"Shame on you, false friend!" replied the Monkey. "Is there any 
one in the world with two hearts? Take yourself off and never come 
back! For anybody who is fool enough to make friends with a 
traitor is deserving of death." 

(Panchatantra. Vol. IV. Chapter 1.) 

THE FROG AND THE SERPENT 

IN a certain Well there once dwelt a King of Frogs, named Ganga- 
datta. One day, being much harassed by his Heirs, he climbed 
into the bucket and by help of the wheel ascended little by little from 
the Well. And all the while he was thinking, "How shall I punish 
these troublesome Heirs of mine?" While he was still meditating, 
he saw a Black Serpent, named Priyadarsana, just entering his hole. 
No sooner did Gangadatta see the Serpent than he thought, "If I take 
this Black Serpent back to my Well, I shall be able to destroy all 
my Heirs." 

So thinking, Gangadatta went to the mouth of the hole and called 
to the Serpent, "Come here, Priyadarsana, come here!" When the 
Serpent heard himself called, he said to himself, "Whoever calls me 
is certainly not one of my species, for this is not the voice of a 
Serpent. I have no ties of friendship with any other creature in 
the world. So I am going to stick close to my stronghold, until I 
see who it can be that is calling me." 

Accordingly the Serpent called out, from deep within the hole, 
"Hello! Who is there?" 

The Frog replied, "I am King of the Frogs, named Gangadatta, 
and I have come to form a friendship with you." 



HINDOO FABLES 217 



When the Serpent heard this, he said, "How am I to believe that? 
For when does Grass make friends with Fire?" 

"I know that it seems impossible," answered Gangadatta, "for 
you are our natural enemy. But I have come to you for help, because 
my Heirs make my life a burden to me." 

"Where do you live?" asked the Serpent. "Is it in a pond, a lake, 
a swamp or a well? Show me your home." 

The Frog replied, "I live in a deep well, walled all around with 
stones." 

"I am a reptile," said the Serpent, "and dwell in the soft earth. 
Consequently, I could not enter through the stone walls of your Well. 
Or if I did enter it, there is no place where I could hide and lie in 
wait, to kill your Heirs. So you may as well go your way alone." 

"Not so," said Gangadatta. "Come with me. For I will show you 
an easy way into the well. Half-way down, near the water level, is a 
convenient hole, where you may lie in wait and amuse yourself by 
killing my Heirs." 

When the Serpent heard this, he thought to himself, "I am al- 
ready approaching old age. Sometimes by hook or by crook, I 
catch a Rat; and sometimes I don't catch him. So the prospect of a 
good living held out to me by this Destroyer of his own Family fills 
me with joy. So I shall go home with him and feast upon Frogs." 
Thus thinking, Priyadarsana said to the King of the Frogs, "I have de- 
cided to go with you, Gangadatta; let us get started at once." 

"So be it, Priyadarsana," answered Gangadatta. "I will take you 
by an easy way and show you the hole in the well. But first you must 
promise me that you will spare my own faithful Followers. You are 
to eat only those Frogs that I point out to you." 

"My dear fellow," said the Serpent, "from now on you are my 



218 ORIENTAL FABLES 

friend. Consequently you have nothing to fear. I will eat your 
Heirs according to your orders." So speaking, he glided from his 
hole, embraced Gangadatta, and set off in his company. 

When they arrived beside the well, Gangadatta himself took the 
Serpent down into his home by aid of the wheel and bucket. Then, 
when his new friend was safely hidden in the hole, Gangadatta pointed 
out his Heirs; and day by day Priyadarsana ate them, until he had 
eaten every one. But when there were no more Heirs left, the 
Serpent said: 

"My dear friend, no more of your enemies are left, and I am 
still hungry. Give me, therefore, some other food, since you brought 
me here." 

Gangadatta replied, "You have acted like a true friend. But now, 
I pray you, go your way, by means of the wheel and bucket." 

"Listen, Gangadatta," said the Serpent, "what you say is not kind. 
How can I go back? The hole which was once my fortress is no 
doubt long since occupied by another. Evidently I must remain 
here, and you must give me, one at a time, the Frogs that are your 
companions and followers. Otherwise, I shall eat them all at once." 

When Gangadatta heard this his heart was troubled, and he said 
to himself, "I have done a terrible thing by bringing the Serpent 
here." 

Accordingly, Gangadatta continued to feed the Serpent with one 
Frog at a time; and the Serpent, after eating his one Frog, often ate 
a second one secretly when Gangadatta was absent. Consequently, in 
the course of time, the whole company of Frogs was devoured, and 
there remained only Gangadatta himself. Then Priyadarsana said 
to him: 



HINDOO FABLES 219 



"My dear Gangadatta I am still hungry. All the other Frogs 
are destroyed down to the last one. You alone remain. Give me, 
I pray you, something to eat, since it was you who brought me here." 

"My friend," said Gangadatta, "so long as I live you shall have no 
cause for anxiety. At your bidding I will go forth and will win the 
confidence of Frogs in other wells, and bring them back with me." 

"Until now," replied the Serpent, "I have felt that I must not eat 
you, for you have been like a brother to me. Do this one thing more, 
and henceforth you will be like my own father. By all means, 
Gangadatta, do as you suggest." 

At the Serpent's bidding Gangadatta hopped briskly into the 
bucket, and ascended from the Well. For many days Priyadarsana 
eagerly watched for his return. But when a long time had passed, 
and Gangadatta had not come back, the Serpent said to an Iguana 
who lived in a nearby hole: "Dear friend, do me a little service. 
Since you have known Gangadatta for a long time, go and find him 
in whatever pond he is now living, and say to him from me, 'Come 
back, Gangadatta, even if you come alone, even if the other Frogs 
won't come with you. I cannot live here longer without you; and 
if I have ever done you an unkindness, I dedicate my life to atoning 
for it.' " 

Accordingly, the Iguana quickly sought out Gangadatta and said 
to him, "My dear Gangadatta, your friend, Priyadarsana is ceaselessly 
watching the Road of your Return. Come back, he begs, at once, 
and in return for any ill that he may have done you he pledges the 
good offices of his remaining years. Return with your heart free of 
fear." 

When Gangadatta heard this he said, "What wickedness will not 



220 ORIENTAL FABLES 

hunger commit? Men, lean with want, are without pity. Dear 
friend, say to Priyadarsana that Gangadatta will not return to the 
Well." 

(Panchatantra. Vol. IV. Chapter 2.) 

THE LIONESS, THE WHELPS AND THE LITTLE JACKAL 

IN a certain part of a forest there dwelt a pair of Lions. One day 
the Lioness had two Whelps. After this the Lion spent all his 
time hunting other animals and bringing them to the Lioness for 
food. But a day came on which he caught nothing. While he was 
still roaming hither and thither through the forest, the sun set. On 
his way home, empty-handed, he found and caught a little Jackal. 
Seeing how very young it was, he did not kill it, but took it carefully 
between his teeth and brought it home alive to his mate. When 
he arrived home the Lioness said, "Dear Husband, have you brought 
us something to eat?" 

"My dear," replied the Lion, "excepting for this little Jackal, I 
have not found a single animal all day, and considering how young 
it is, I could not bear to kill it, especially as it is one of our near 
relations. However, eat him yourself, for you need the food. To- 
morrow I may have better luck." 

"My dear," said the Lioness, "you remembered how young the 
Jackal is and would not eat him, how do you expect me to kill him 
to satisfy my own appetite? I cannot do that; instead, I shall adopt 
him as my third son." Thus saying, she adopted the little Jackal, 
and nursed him along with her own two Whelps. Thus the three 
little animals, mutually ignorant of the difference of their breed, 



HINDOO FABLES 221 



passed the days of their infancy in the same manner of life and the 
same sports and plays. But one day a wild Elephant passed that 
way, roaming here and there in the forest. Upon seeing this Ele- 
phant the two young Lions bristled with anger and prepared to at- 
tack him. But the little Jackal said, "Be careful, that is an Elephant, 
an enemy of our race ! We must not attempt to stand and face him." 

So speaking, the Jackal turned and fled back to his home; and 
the two little Lions were disheartened at seeing the fright of their 
older brother. But when they also had returned home, they told the 
parent Lions with much laughter how frightened their older brother 
had been and how, upon seeing an Elephant from far off, he had 
promptly fled. When the little Jackal heard them laughing, he was 
seized with great anger; his lower lip trembled, his eyes grew red, 
he frowned fiercely and threatened the two Whelps with insulting 
words. Hereupon the Lioness led him aside and rebuked him. "My 
child, you must never speak like that, remember that they are your 
little brothers." But the Jackal was still very angry, and asked, 
"Am I inferior to them in courage, in beauty, in diligence, or in 
cleverness, that they should dare to mock me? It is evident that I 
shall have to kill them!" 

Upon hearing this the Lioness, who was really fond of the little 
Jackal, and wanted him to live, laughed softly, and replied: 

"You are brave and wise and handsome according to your own 
kind, my son. But the breed from which you sprang does not kill 
Elephants. Listen, my child, you are really the son of a Jackal. 
I nourished you out of compassion together with my own two Whelps. 
Therefore, while my two sons are still too young to know that you 
are a Jackal, go away quickly and stay with your own species. Other- 
wise they will kill you, and you will travel upon the Road of Death." 



222 ORIENTAL FABLES 

When the Jackal heard this his heart was overcome with fear. 
He stole away very softly and went to live henceforth with his own 
species. 

(Panchatantra. Vol. IV. Chapter 5.) 

THE TWO FISHES AND THE FROG 

IN a certain Pond there once dwelt two Fishes named respectively, 
Satabuddhi, or Hundred- Wits, and Sahasrabuddhi, or Thousand- 
Wits. These two Fishes formed a close friendship with a Frog named 
Ekabuddhi, or Single-Wit ; and they formed a habit of meeting on the 
shore of the Pond for pleasant talks and discussions, after which the 
two Fishes would return to the water. One day, when the three had 
thus come together to converse, some Fishermen, with fishing nets 
in hand, passed by and stopped for a moment just at sunset. When 
the Fishermen saw the Pond they said to one another: 

"This Pond seems well stocked with fish, and there is very little 
water in it. Let us come back again to-morrow." Having thus 
spoken they continued on their way toward home. 

When the three friends heard this speech, which came upon them 
like a thunder-clap, they held council together. The Frog said, 
"Listen, dear Hundred- Wits and Thousand- Wits ! What is best for 
us to do? Shall we run away or shall we stay?" 

Upon hearing this, Thousand-Wits laughed, and said, "Dear Single- 
Wit ! Do not let yourself be frightened at overhearing a few chance 
words! It is not likely that the Fishermen will ever come back at 
all. But if they do come, then thanks to my many wits, I will 
save you and myself too, for I know all of the water-ways in the depths 
of the Pond." 



HINDOO FABLES 223 



When Hundred-Wits heard this, he said, "Ah! What Thousand 
Wits says is quite true. There is much reason in the old saying that 
where there is no road for wind or sunshine, there quick wit will 
easily find a path. So it would be foolish to leave our place of birth 
just because we overheard a few idle words. There is no need of 
seeking a new home. I also will protect you, friend Single- Wit, by 
the strength of my intelligence." 

"My dear friends," answered the Frog, "I have only a single wit, 
as you know, and it advises me to flee. So I shall set out this very 
night with my wife for another Pond." 

Accordingly, as soon as night had come the Frog set out as he 
had said, in search of his new home. 

The next day the Fishermen came early in the morning like Mes- 
sengers of Fate, and covered the Pond with nets. All swimming 
creatures in the Pond, the Fish, the Turtles, the Frogs and Crabs 
and other animals were caught and dragged out. Hundred- Wits and 
Thousand- Wits fled hither and thither with their wives and families, 
and for some time they escaped capture, thanks to their knowledge 
of the many water-ways. But at last they too fell into the net and 
were killed. In the afternoon the contented Fishermen started back 
towards their homes. One of them carried Hundred-Wits upon his 
head, because he was heavy; another carried Thousand- Wits by a 
rope thrust through his gills. As they passed along the road, the 
Frog, Single-Wit, who had come up on the shore of his new Pond, 
said to his wife, "Look, look, my dear! There is Hundred- Wits car- 
ried on the head of the Fisherman, and there is Thousand-Wits hang- 
ing by a rope ; but I, Single- Wit, can still sport at my pleasure in the 
crystal-clear water." 

(Panchatantra. Vol. V. Chapter 6.) 



224 ORIENTAL FABLES 

THE BIRD WITH TWO BEAKS 

IN a certain spot by the seashore there once dwelt a Bird named 
Bharanda, which had only a single stomach, but two Beaks. As 
he wandered along the margin of the sea he found a fruit of ambrosial 
flavour which the waves had tossed upon the shore. Eating it he 
said, "Ah! I have eaten many fruits of ambrosial sweetness which the 
waves of the sea have flung up; but truly the taste of this fruit sur- 
passes them all. May it not be the fruit of the yellow sandal-wood 
of Paradise, or some other celestial fruit fallen by chance into the 
ocean? Assuredly it has given me a rare and wonderful pleasure of 
the tongue." 

As he spoke thus, the second Beak said: "If it is so good as all 
that, give me a share of your ambrosial fruit, that I too may experi- 
ence a rare pleasure of the tongue!" 

At this, the first Beak laughed and said, "We have only one 
stomach between us, and whichever eats, the hunger of both will be 
appeased. Accordingly, why eat separately? Let us rather save 
what is left and give pleasure to our dear mate, Bharandi, who is 
waiting at home?" 

So saying, the first Beak carried home what was left of the fruit 
and gave it to Bharandi to eat. And when she had tasted it she was 
filled with joy, and gave payment with many thanks and caresses. 

From that day forth the other Beak became morose and full of 
resentment. At last, it chanced one day, upon the fruit of a certain 
poisonous tree. The resentful Beak had no sooner recognized the 



HINDOO FABLES 225 



nature of this fruit than it said to the other Beak, "Miserable, treacher- 
ous creature ! I have found without seeking it the fruit of a poisonous 
tree. I am going to eat it in order to punish your selfishness !" 

The first Beak replied, "You poor fool ! Don't do that, for if you 
do we shall both perish. Forgive my selfishness and I promise I will 
never be unfair to you again." But even while he still spoke 
the other Beak ate the poisonous fruit, and soon afterwards both 
Beaks were dead. 

(Panchatantra. Vol. V. Chapter 14.) 

THE BRAHMAN SAVED BY A CRAB 

IN a certain spot there once dwelt a Brahman named Brahmadatta, 
who was about to set forth for another village on some important 
business. His mother said to him: 

"My son, why go on this long journey alone? Find some friend, 
I beg of you, to take as a companion on your way." 

"Mother," replied the Brahman, "have no fear; the road is not 
dangerous. Besides, my business is so important that I must start 
to-day, even though I go alone." 

When the Brahman's mother saw that he had made up his mind, 
she procured a Crab from a nearby pond and said to her son: 

"My dear son, if you absolutely must go to-day this Crab will serve 
as a companion. Take good care of it, and go your way." 

Out of respect for his mother the Brahman took the Crab, placed 
it in a parcel of camphor, dropped the parcel into the bag with his 
money, and set off in haste. But presently, as he walked on and on, 
he began to suffer from the heat. Coming to a tree by the wayside 
he stretched himself comfortably in its shade and fell asleep. Pres- 



226 ORIENTAL FABLES 

ently a black Snake glided from its hole in the tree and rapidly ap- 
proached the Brahman. But as it drew near, its senses were over- 
come by the fumes of the camphor. Forgetful of the Brahman, it 
flung itself upon his purse, and crazed with eagerness swallowed the 
whole package of camphor. The Crab, which the Serpent gobbled 
down with the rest of the package, stuck fast in his throat and killed 
him. When the Brahman awoke and looked about him, there by 
the roadside lay the dead black Serpent which had torn open his 
purse and eaten his packet of camphor. And near the Serpent sat 
the Crab the Brahman's mother had given him. When the Brahman 
saw these things he said to himself, "Ah, my mother spoke truly 
when she said that one should take a travelling companion, and never 
travel long distances alone. And because I followed her advice in 
a spirit of obedience and faith I was saved, even by a Crab, from 
the death which the black Serpent would have inflicted." 

(Panchatantra. Vol. V. Chapter 15.) 



M 



THE STORY OF THE MOUSE MERCHANT 

ANY a man, starting with a modest capital, has ended by ac- 
quiring great wealth. But I built up my large fortune by 
starting with nothing at all. Listen, and you shall hear how I did it. 
My father died before I was born; and my mother's wicked rela- 
tions robbed her of all she possessed. So in fear of her life she fled 
from them and took refuge at the home of one of my father's friends. 
There I was born, to become later the protector and mainstay of my 
excellent mother. Meanwhile she supported our lives by the pittance 
earned through hardest drudgery; and, poor as we were, she found 
a teacher who consented to instruct me in the simple rudiments of 



HINDOO FABLES 227 



reading, writing and keeping accounts. Then one day my mother said 
to me, "My son, your father before you was a merchant, and the time 
has come for you also to engage in trade. The richest merchant now 
living in our city is the money changer, Visakhila, and I hear that it is 
his habit to make loans to the poor sons of good families to start them 
in business. Go to him and ask him for such a loan." 

Straightway I went to Visakhila, the money changer, and found 
him angrily denouncing another merchant's son, to whom he had 
loaned money: "See that dead Mouse upon the ground," he said 
scornfully, "a clever man could start with even such poor capital as 
that and make a fortune. But, however much money I loan you I 
barely get back the interest on it, and I greatly doubt whether you 
have not already lost the principal." 

Hereupon I impetuously turned to Visakhila and said, "I will accept 
the dead Mouse as capital to start me in business!" 

With these words, I picked up the Mouse, wrote out a receipt, and 
went my way, leaving the money changer convulsed with laughter. 

I sold the Mouse to another merchant as cat's meat, for two hand- 
fuls of peas. I ground the peas and taking with me a pitcher of 
water, I hastened from the city and seated myself under the shade 
of a spreading tree. Many weary wood-cutters passed by, carrying 
their wood to market, and to each one I politely offered a drink of 
cool water and a portion of the peas. Every wood-cutter gratefully 
gave me in payment a couple of sticks of wood; and at the end of the 
day I took these sticks and sold them in the market. Then for a 
small part of the price I received for the wood I bought a new supply of 
peas ; and so on the second day I obtained more sticks from the wood- 
cutters. In the course of a few days I had amassed quite a little 
capital and was able to buy from the wood-cutters all the wood that 



228 ORIENTAL FABLES 

they could cut in three days. It happened soon afterwards that be- 
cause of the heavy rains there was a great scarcity of wood in the 
market, and I was able to sell all that I had bought for several hundred 
panas. With this money I set up a shop, and as I am a shrewd busi- 
ness man I soon became wealthy. 

Then I went to a goldsmith and had him make me a Mouse of 
solid gold. This Mouse I presented to Visakhila as payment of the 
loan ; and he soon after gave me his daughter in marriage. Because 
of this story I am known to the world as Mushika, the Mouse. So it 
was that without any capital to build on, I amassed a fortune. 

(Katha-Sarit-Sagara. Book I, Chapter 6; adapted from the German of 

F. Brockhaus.) 

THE MERCHANT'S SON AND THE IRON SCALES 

THERE was once a Merchant's Son who had spent all his father's 
wealth, and had nothing left except a pair of Iron Scales. Now 
these Scales were worth much, for they were made of a thousand palas 
of iron. So when the Merchant's Son decided to journey to a distant 
land he left the Scales for safe-keeping in the care of another mer- 
chant. When the young man returned from his long journey, he 
demanded back from the merchant the Scales he had deposited with 
him. The merchant answered, "I cannot give them back, they have 
been eaten by the Mice." And he repeated, "What I tell you is 
quite true; the iron of which the Scales were made was especially 
sweet iron, so the Mice ate it." This he said with an outward show 
of regret, while laughing in his heart. The young man made no 
reply, except to ask if he might have some food ; and the other, being 
well pleased with himself, cordially gave him some. Having eaten, 



HINDOO FABLES 229 



the young man went down to the river to bathe, taking with him the 
little son of his friend the merchant, who was a mere child, and whom 
he persuaded to come with him by the gift of a dish of sweets. After 
he had bathed, the young man left the boy in charge of another friend, 
and then returned to the merchant's house. The merchant asked 
him, "Where is that little son of mine?" The young man replied, 
"A Kite swooped down from the air and carried him off." The 
merchant flew into a great rage and said, "You have kidnapped my 
son!" And he took the young man to the King's judgment hall. 
Here the owner of the Scales repeated his story of the Kite which 
swooped down from the sky and carried off the merchant's son. 
The officers of the court said, "This is impossible. How could a Kite 
carry off a boy?" The young man replied, "In a country where 
large Iron Scales can be eaten by Mice, a Kite might carry off an 
Elephant, to say nothing of a boy." When the officers of the court 
heard this, they were curious to hear the story of the Iron Scales; 
and when they had heard it they made the dishonest merchant return 
the Scales to their owner, while he on his part returned the merchant's 
son. 

(Katha-Sarit-Sagara. Book X, Chapter 60.) 

THE MONKEYS, THE FIREFLY AND THE BIRD 

ONCE upon a time a troop of Monkeys were wandering through 
a wood. The weather was cold, and when in the twilight 
they came upon a Firefly they mistook it for the embers of a real 
fire. Accordingly, they placed dry grass and leaves around the 
Firefly, hoping to warm themselves ; and one of the Monkeys fanned 
it with his breath, trying to kindle it into a blaze. A little Bird, 



230 ORIENTAL FABLES 

named Suchimukha, was perched above in a tree; and when he saw the 
Monkeys wasting their time and efforts, he called down to them, 
"That is not a real fire, it is only a Firefly. Do not waste your 
breath." 

Although the Monkey heard what Suchimukha said, he paid no 
attention but continued to blow steadily. So the Bird flew down from 
the tree, and once more began to advise and argue with the Monkey. 
Presently the latter became angry and picking up a stone flung it at 
Suchimukha and killed him. 

It is foolish to waste good advice on those who do not choose to 
listen. 

(Katha-Sarit-Sagara. Book X, Chapter 60.) 

THE SERVANT WHO LOOKED AFTER A DOOR 

A CERTAIN merchant said one day to his Servant, "I am obliged 
to go home for a short time. Take good care of the Door 
of my shop until I come back." 

Having said this the merchant went his way, and the Servant, re- 
moving the shop Door placed it on his shoulder and went off to see 
some actors who were performing nearby. Later, as the Servant 
was returning, his master met him and scolded him roundly. But 
the Servant answered, "What have I done amiss? I have taken the 
best of care of this shop Door, just as you told me to." 

It is folly to heed only the words of an order, without trying to 
understand its meaning. 

(Katha-Sarit-Sagara. Book X, Chapter 62.) 



HINDOO FABLES 231 



THE SERVANTS WHO KEPT THE RAIN OFF THE 

TRUNKS 

IN the course of a long journey the Camel of a certain merchant 
fell by the wayside exhausted by its heavy load. The merchant 
said to his Servants, "I must go and buy another Camel to carry half 
of this Camel's load. While I'm gone you must remain here, and if 
the sky clouds over you must be very careful that no rain touches 
the leather of these Trunks, for they are filled with costly clothing." 

Having given these orders, the merchant went off, leaving the 
Servants watching beside the Camel. Suddenly a storm-cloud came 
up and a heavy Rain descended. Hereupon the foolish Servants 
said to one another, "Our master told us to take good care that no 
Rain should touch the leather of these Trunks." Accordingly they 
took counsel together, and being unable to think of a better way of 
protecting the leather, they dragged the clothing out of the Trunks 
and wrapped it around them. The result was that all the clothing was 
ruined by the Rain. When the merchant returned he flew into a 
great rage and said to his Servants, "You idiots! See the harm 
you have done! Why, my whole stock of clothes is spoiled by the 
Rain!" 

The Servants answered, "What fault have we committed? You 
told us to keep the Rain off the leather of the Trunk." 

The master said, "I told you that if the leather got wet, the 
clothes would be spoiled. I told you this, in order to save the clothes 
and not the leather." 

Then the master placed the load on another Camel, and when they 



232 ORIENTAL FABLES 

reached home he took from his Servants' wages the whole price of 
the clothes. 

Those who lack understanding ruin their own interests as well as 
those of others. 

(Katha-Sarit-Sagara. Book X, Chapter 62.) 

THE SNAKE WITH TWO HEADS 

A CERTAIN Snake had two Heads, one in the usual place and 
the other at the tip of his tail. But while the Head that he had 
in the usual place was provided with a pair of good eyes, the Head 
at the end of his tail was blind. Now there was a constant quarrel 
between these two Heads, for each of them claimed to be the more 
powerful Head, and to have mastery over the other. Now, it was 
the custom of the Snake as he roamed around, to go with his real 
Head foremost. But on one occasion the Head at the end of the 
Snake's tail seized hold of a wooden stake with its jaws, and by holding 
on firmly prevented the Snake from going further. This convinced 
the Snake that the Head in his tail must be more powerful than the 
other Head, since it had got the best of the struggle. Accordingly, 
from this time on, the Snake roamed about with his blind Head fore- 
most ; and so presently he fell into a pit full of burning rubbish, being 
unable to see where he was going, and was thus burned to death. 

(Katlia-Sarit-Sagara. Book X, Chapter 63.) 

THE BRAHMAN AND THE MONGOOSE 

THERE was once a Brahman named Devasarman, who lived with 
his wife in a certain village. In the course of time a son was 
born to them, and the Brahman, though very poor, felt that he had 



HINDOO FABLES 233 



in this son a treasure of great price. One day the Brahman's wife 
went down to the river to bathe, while Devasarman remained in the 
house, taking care of the child. Presently a messenger came from 
the King's palace to summon the Brahman, whose sole means of sup- 
port depended upon the fees paid him for his priestly services. 
Pleased at the prospect of a fee, Devasarman hurried off to the palace, 
leaving a Mongoose, which he himself had brought up from birth, 
to stand guard over the child. After he had gone a Snake suddenly 
appeared and crawled directly towards the spot where the infant 
lay; but the Mongoose, upon seeing the Snake, instantly sprang upon 
it and killed it out of devotion to his master. When the Mongoose 
saw Devasarman returning, while he was still far off, it ran joyously 
out to meet him, with its jaws still red with the blood of the Snake. 
When Devasarman beheld the Mongoose in this condition, he was 
seized with a terrible fear that it had killed his little son, and in his 
excitement and anger he struck the Mongoose a fatal blow with a 
stone. But when he entered the house, and saw the Snake lying dead 
on the floor, and the child alone, but alive and well, he repented bit- 
terly of what he had done. And when his wife returned and was told 
what had happened, she reproached him for his rash haste, saying: 
"Why did you so inconsiderately kill the Mongoose when it had 
done you nothing but kindness?" 

(Katha-Sarit-Sagara. Book X, Chapter 64.) 

THE DISCONTENTED OX 

THERE were once two Oxen who were brothers and were owned 
by one master, for whom they did all the heavy draught-work. 
Now one of these Oxen was much smaller than his brother; and since 



234 ORIENTAL FABLES 

they were both the same colour, they were known respectively by 
the names of Big Redcoat and Little Redcoat. Now it happened that 
the master's daughter was soon to be married; accordingly he began 
fattening a certain Pig, named Munika, for the wedding feast. When 
Little Redcoat saw the abundant food that was given to Munika, he 
complained to his brother: "All the loads for this household have 
been drawn by you and me, my Brother; but all that they give us 
in payment is sorry grass and straw to eat, yet here is this Pig, Munika, 
being fed on rice! Why should he be treated to such dainty fare?" 
Big Redcoat replied: "Do not be envious of the Pig, dear Brother, 
since the food that Munika eats is the food of death. The reason that 
he is being fattened is because he is to furnish the feast for the wed- 
ding of our master's daughter. Before long the wedding guests will 
arrive, and then you will see our friend Munika dragged out of his 
pen and chopped up and made into a savoury curry." 

Not long afterwards the wedding guests arrived, as big Redcoat had 
predicted, and Munika was killed and made into all manner of savoury 
dishes. "Did you see what happened to Munika, dear Brother?" 
asked Big Redcoat. "Indeed I did," replied Little Redcoat. "It 
is better a hundred-fold to content ourselves with the food we get, 
even though it be only grass and straw, for it is a pledge that our 
lives will not be cut short." 

(Munika Jataka, No. 30 J 

THE STUPID MONKEYS 

ONCE upon a time a tribe of Monkeys made their home in the 
pleasure-garden of the King of Benares. On a certain holi- 
day, when the drum was beaten to call the people together, the King's 



HINDOO FABLES 235 



head gardener, hearing the drum, said to himself: "Even though 
it is a holiday, the garden must be watered. Accordingly, I will 
ask the Monkeys to water the garden for me, so that I can be off to 
enjoy myself, and keep holiday with the rest." So he called to the 
Monkeys and asked them to water the garden ; and when the Monkeys 
had promised to water all the young trees faithfully, the gardener 
gave them the water-skins and the wooden watering-pot with which 
to perform their task. After the gardener had gone, the Monkeys 
took up the water-skins and the watering-pot and began to water the 
young trees. But the leader of the Monkeys stopped them: 
"Wait," said he, "we must be careful not to waste the water. Be- 
fore you water them you must first pull up each tree and look at the 
size of the root. Then, you must give plenty of water to those which 
have long, deep roots, but only a little water to those that have short 
roots. For when this water is all gone, we shall have hard work to 
get any more." 

"To be sure," said the other Monkeys, "that is what we must do." 
So they pulled up all the roots, just as their leader had told them to 
do, — and all the young trees died. 

With every intention of doing good, the ignorant and foolish suc- 
ceed only in doing harm. 

( Aramadusaka Jataka, No. 51.) 

THE JUDAS TREE 

ONCE upon a time there was a King of Benares who had four 
sons. One day these four sons sent for the King's charioteer 
and said to him: 

"We want to see what a Judas Tree is like; show us one!" 



236 ORIENTAL FABLES 

"Very well, I will do so when I can," replied the charioteer. But 
he did not show the Judas Tree to all four of them at once. It was 
then early springtime, and he at once took the eldest son to the forest 
in his chariot, and showed him the Tree at a time when the buds were 
just sprouting from their stems. To the second son he showed the 
Tree when the leaves were full-grown and formed a mass of rich 
green ; to the third he showed it at the time of blossoming, and to the 
fourth son when it was bearing fruit. 

Some time after this had happened the four brothers chanced to be 
sitting together in company with others, when some one asked*: 
"What sort of a Tree is the Judas Tree?" Then the first brother an- 
swered : 

"Like a burnt stump!" 

And the second cried, "Like a Banyan Tree!" 

And the third cried, "Like a piece of red meat!" 

And the fourth cried, "Like the Acacia!" 

The four brothers were vexed at one another's answers, and ran 
to find their father. "My Lord," they asked him, "what sort of a 
Tree is the Judas Tree?" 

"What sort of a Tree do you think it is?" the King asked in re- 
turn. Accordingly they told him the answers that each one of them 
had given. Then the King said: 

"It is evident from your answers that all four of you have seen the 
Judas Tree. Only, when the charioteer showed you the Tree you 
none of you asked him, 'what does this Tree look like at other sea- 
sons of the year?' You made no distinctions between seasons, and 
that is the source of your mistake." 

(Kimsukopami Jataka, No. 248.) 



HINDOO FABLES 237 



THE OTTERS AND THE JACKALS 

ONCE upon a time two Otters whose names were Gambhiracari 
and Anutiracari, were standing on the bank of a river, on the 
lookout for fish. Presently Gambhiracari saw a large Rohita fish, 
and with one bound he dived into the water and caught it by the tail. 
It happened that this Rohita fish was very strong, and when it felt 
something grasping its tail, it dashed headlong down the river, drag- 
ging the Otter with it. He called out to the other Otter, "Friend 
Anutiracari, this great fish will be enough of a meal for us both, but it 
is so strong that it is dragging me away. Come and help me!" 

The other Otter plunged in to his aid, and the two friends between 
them soon dragged out the Rohita fish, laid it on the bank of the river 
and killed it. But now they began to say to each other, "You divide 
the fish," — "No, you divide it!" — "No, you!" — and soon they 
quarrelled and could not decide how the fish should be divided be- 
tween them. 

At that moment a Jackal, named Mayavi, happened to pass the 
spot. Upon seeing him, both the otters saluted him and said, "Oh, 
Lord of the grey grass-colour, this fish was caught by both of us to- 
gether; but a dispute has arisen between us, because we cannot de- 
cide how to divide. Will you kindly make a fair division for us?" 

After hearing their request, the Jackal replied, "I have decided 
many a difficult case and done it peacefully. I will settle yours with 
equal fairness." So saying, he cut off the head and tail of the 
Rohita fish, gave the head to Gambhiracari and the tail to Anutiracari, 
and seizing the whole body of the fish, he ran away with it before 



238 ORIENTAL FABLES 

their eyes, remarking as he went, "The best belongs to me, in pay- 
ment for my trouble as umpire I" 

(Darbhapappha Jataka, No. 400.) 

THE SEEDS AND THE WHEAT 

THERE was once a man who entered a field of Wheat and stole 
some of the ripe grain. The owner of the field had the thief 
arrested, and demanded why he had stolen the Wheat. The thief 
replied: "My Lord, I have not stolen any Wheat belonging to you. 
You planted only the Seeds, and what I took was the ripe Wheat. 
Why do you call me a thief?" 

The two men went before a Judge and asked him: "Which of us 
is right and which is wrong?" The Judge answered: "The one 
who sowed the Seed is right, and he who did not sow the Seed is 
wrong. The Seed is the origin of the Wheat. How should he who 
did not sow have any right to the Wheat that grew from it?" 

(From Les Avadanes. By Stanislas Julien.J 



PART II 
PERSIAN FABLES 



PART II 

PERSIAN FABLES 
THE CAMEL AND THE RAT 

A CAMEL, bound by a foot so that he could not wander, was 
browsing in a desert. A Rat, finding him without a guardian, 
decided to take hold of the leash and lead the Camel back to his rat- 
hole. As the Camel is naturally docile and never balky, he readily 
followed his new leader. But when they arrived at the threshold of 
the rat-hole it proved to be much too narrow. "You simpleton!" 
said the Camel, "what have you done? Don't you see that my body 
is too big and your home too little? The one will never grow any 
smaller nor the other bigger. How do you expect to keep me with 

O" 

you: 

Good intentions are useless in the absence of common-sense. 

(land, The Baharistan.) 

THE CAMEL AND THE ASS 

A CAMEL and an Ass were once travelling together. Upon reach- 
the bank of a river the Camel was the first to enter the water. 
As it rose somewhat above his knees, but barely touched his body, he 
called to his companion: "Follow me in, for the water hardly bathes 
my sides." 

"I believe you," rejoined his wise, long-eared friend, "but between 

241 



242 ORIENTAL FABLES 

us two there is a big difference, and if the water rises to your sides, 
it would be well over my back." 

The wise man refuses to be led beyond his own depth. 

(Jami, The Baharistan.) 

THE DOG AND THE LOAF OF BREAD 

A DOG, driven desperate with hunger, stood watching at the gate 
of a village, when he saw a Loaf of Bread roll out of the gate 
and make its way towards the desert. The Dog started in pursuit of 
the Loaf, and as he ran he cried: 

"Oh, Staff of Life, Strength of the Traveller, Object of my Desire, 
sweet Consolation of my Soul ! In what direction do you turn your 
steps? Where are you going?" 

"To the desert," replied the Loaf of Bread, "to see my friends the 
Wolves and Leopards, for I am returning their visit." 

"Your boasting speech doesn't frighten me," replied the Dog, "I 
would follow you down the throat of a Crocodile, or between the teeth 
of a Lion. If you rolled around the world I should still pursue you." 

Those who live by bread alone will submit, for the sake of it, to the 
vilest abuse, like a hungry dog. 

(Jami, The Baharistan.) 

THE CAMEL AND THE SHRUB 

A CAMEL was crossing a desert and as he went was browsing on 
thistles and brambles. Presently he came upon a shrub with 
foliage as thick as the hair of a young girl and as pleasant to look upon 
as the rosy cheeks of youth. But just as he stretched forth his neck 




YOU SIMPLETON!' SAID THE CAMEL, 'WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?' " 



-Page 241 



PERSIAN FABLES 243 



to take a mouthful, he perceived an enormous serpent, coiled up like 
a ring and hidden in the depths of the bush. The Camel quickly 
shrank back and turned away his head, his appetite quite gone. The 
Shrub impudently asked him if his sudden change of mind was due 
to his fear of its sharp thorns. The Camel, disgusted by such con- 
ceit, replied, "Don't you see that it is the Serpent hidden under your 
leaves that startled me, and not the conceited plant that shelters 
the reptile. I am more afraid of one serpent's tooth than of the 
thorns of all the shrubs that grow. Be grateful to the crawling guest 
that has taken shelter beneath your leaves. But for him, I would 
have made but one mouthful of the whole of you." 

It is not strange that a brave man fears the wicked. It is not their 
strength nor their courage, but their treachery that makes them dan- 
gerous. 

(Jami, The Baharistan.) 

THE RED WASP AND THE HONEY-BEE 

A RED WASP one day attacked a Honey-bee eager to feast upon 
her sweetness. The Honey-bee began to weep, and said piti- 
fully: 

"Surrounded as we are by all the pure honey and sweet nectar of 
flowers, what attraction have I that you should leave them and pursue 
only me?" 

The Wasp replied, "If there is pure honey in the world, you are 
the source thereof; if there is sweet nectar you are its fountainhead." 

Happy is the man who knows the true from the false, and refuses to 
accept less. 

(Jami, The Baharistan.) 



244 ORIENTAL FABLES 

THE PEACOCK, THE CROW AND THE TORTOISE 

A PEACOCK and a Crow once came together in the inner court- 
yard of a palace and began to discuss their respective beauty 
and defects. The Peacock said to the Crow: "Those red boots on 
your feet are much better suited to go with the gold-embroidered silk 
and variegated brocade of my attire. Evidently in the days when we 
were first created we made the mistake of putting on the wrong boots, 
we Peacocks taking your black Crows' boots of untanned leather, 
while you Crows put on our red boots of fine-grained, perfumed 



morocco." 



The Crow replied, "It was just the other way. If there was any 
mistake made it was in our garments and not our boots. None of your 
feathers match your boots; so it must be that when we were still half 
dazed by the light of day, you put your necks within our coat-collars 
and we Crows put our necks within those intended for you." 

Now all this time there was a Tortoise near by who had drawn his 
head within his shell and was listening with interest. At this point 
he thrust out his head and spoke as follows : 

"Good friends, pray drop this foolish argument and put an end 
to such profitless conversation. There is no living creature who 
has had granted to him all his desires. There is no one who does 
not have some peculiarity which makes him different from the rest, 
no one but what has some special quality which others might well 
envy. Accordingly, every one of us ought to be thankful for such 
good things as it has pleased heaven to grant us." 

(Jami, The Baharistan.) 



PERSIAN FABLES 



245 



THE YOUNG FOX AND HIS MOTHER 

A YOUNG Fox said to his Mother: "Teach me a trick that will 
help me to escape, when I am close pressed by a dog, and my 
strength is failing." The Mother Fox replied: "There are many 
tricks for escaping from dogs and other enemies. But the best of 
them all is to remain hidden safe in your home, so that neither they 
see you nor you them." 

It is best to avoid low company, whether they come in peace or in 
war. 

(/ami, The Baharistan.) 

THE FIREFLY 

DOUBTLESS you have sometimes seen the Firefly, gleaming like 
a lamp, in the garden at night. 
"Oh, Night-illumining insect," some one said to the Firefly, "why 
can you not also shine in the day-time?" 

The modest Firefly gave an answer full of wisdom: "Because 
no one would ever see me, in the light of the splendid sun!" 

(Sadi, The Burstan.) 



A 



THE YOUNG CAMEL AND HIS MOTHER 

YOUNG Camel once said to its Mother, "After you have reached 
the end of this journey, rest for a while." 
"If the bridle was in my own hands," the Mother Camel replied, 



246 ORIENTAL FABLES 

"no one would ever see me in the string of camels, plodding across 
the desert sands with a pack on my back." 

One of the first rules of wise living is obedience. 

(Sadi, The BursUm.) 

ABDUL AZIZ AND THE PEARL 

THE story is told of Abdul Aziz that he had a pearl of great 
beauty and value, set in a ring. Shortly afterwards there came 
a dry season, the crops failed, and there was great suffering among 
his people. Moved by compassion the King ordered that the pearl 
should be sold, and the money received for it given to the poor. One 
of his friends reproached him for doing this, saying: 

"Never again will such a beautiful jewel come into your hands." 
Sighing regretfully, the King answered: "Ugly is any ornament 
upon the person of a King when the hearts of his people are wrung 
with want and hunger. Better for me is a stoneless ring than a suffer- 
ing people." 

Moral. Happy is he who sets the welfare of others above his own. 

(Sadi, The Burstan.) 

THE RAIN-DROP 

A RAIN-DROP fell from a spring cloud, and when it saw the 
wide expanse of the ocean it felt ashamed. "At best," it 
said, "I am only a Rain-drop, — but compared with the ocean I am 
nothing at all!" 

But just at the moment that the little Rain-drop was judging itself 



PERSIAN FABLES 247 



so humbly, an oyster opened her shell and took it to her bosom. 
And fate so shaped its course that in the end it became a famous 
royal pearl. 

(Sadi, The Burstan.) 

THE VULTURE AND THE KITE 

A VULTURE said to a Kite, "No one can see as far as I." "That 
may be so," replied the Kite, "But what can you see yonder 
across the desert?" Gazing down from the lofty height in the skies, 
to which he had risen, the Vulture exclaimed, "Yonder on the ground 
I see a grain of wheat!" Thereupon the two birds flew down to 
the ground. As the Vulture swooped down upon the grain of 
wheat, he found himself caught in a trap. "What good did it do you," 
asked the Kite, "to see the grain of wheat from so far off, if you 
could not also see the trap that your enemy had set?" "Alas," re- 
plied the captive Vulture, "no amount of caution will protect us 
against fate!" 

The unexpected will sometimes happen. 

(Sadi, The Burstan.) 

THE GREEDY CAT 

IN former times there lived a certain old woman who was very, 
very poor. This old woman had a Cat that never had meat or 
a crust of bread, and thought herself lucky if once in a while she 
managed to catch a mouse. One day, when this hungry Cat managed 



248 ORIENTAL FABLES 

to climb to the roof of her home, she was surprised to see another 
Cat, fat and sleek, walking along the wall of another house : 

"Good morning, neighbour," she called out, "who are you, and 
how do you keep yourself so fine and sleek?" 

The other Cat replied: "I am the Crumb-eater from the tray 
of the Sultan. Every day I attend the Sultan's banquet, and dine 
on morsels of rich meat and crumbs from the finest of white bread." 

The old woman's Cat begged her new friend to take her to the 
Palace; and the neighbour-Cat, pitying her miserable condition, 
agreed to do so. The old woman, upon hearing of this arrangement, 
warned her Cat not to be deceived by outward appearances, but to 
be contented with what little she already had. But the Greedy Cat, 
already dreaming of the Sultan's rich meats and fine white bread, 
would not take the advice. 

Now it happened that the Palace Cats, of which there were a great 
many, had lately begun to grow too bold and troublesome; and only 
the day before they had made a raid on the dining tables, with such 
a spitting and scratching and miauling as had greatly angered the 
Sultan, and disturbed his guests. So the Sultan directed that a com- 
pany of archers with their bows and sharp arrows should be placed 
in hiding, with orders to shoot down every Cat that entered the dining- 
room. The old woman's Cat, knowing nothing of this, dashed into 
the hall as soon as it smelled the enticing odour of the rich meat 
and freshly baked bread. She dashed forward like a swooping Hawk, 
when a sharp arrow from an archer's bow was driven through her 
heart. 

(From the Anvar-i Suhaili, or The Lights of Canopus.) 



PERSIAN FABLES 249 



THE CAMEL DRIVER AND THE SNAKE 

A CAMEL DRIVER, in the course of a journey, reached a certain 
spot where a passing caravan had carelessly left the embers of 
a fire. The wind had scattered the sparks on all sides amidst the 
dry grass and stubble, until a wide stretch of the plain glowed like a 
bed of red and yellow tulips. In the midst of the fire a huge Snake 
found itself caught and surrounded, and was on the point of roasting 
like a fish on a gridiron. Seeing the Camel Driver the Snake called 
for help. The Camel Driver said to himself, "Although a Snake is 
an enemy of mankind yet since this one is in danger of his life, it is 
my duty to help him." 

Accordingly, the Camel Driver unfastened one of his saddle bags 
and having fixed it to the tip of the spear which he carried, he 
stretched it out across the flames in such manner that the Snake 
was able to crawl into the bag. Having thus rescued it from the 
fire, the Camel Driver opened the mouth of the bag and said to the 
Snake, "Go where you will, be thankful for your escape, and hence- 
forth do no further harm to mankind." 

The Snake replied, "Young man, do not waste your breath, for I 
have no intention of going until I have stung both you and your 
Camel. For I am the very source of evil, and can accept no benefits 
from man. In saving an evil beast like me, you have earned mis- 
fortune. Besides, in returning evil for good I am only following 
the custom of mankind." 

The Camel Driver indignantly denied that such was the custom 
of man, and said, "If you can prove that it is the custom of man to 



250 ORIENTAL FABLES 

return evil for good, I will willingly let you sting me, and will con- 
sent to my own death." 

The Snake looked around and saw a Buffalo grazing afar off in 
the desert. "Come," said he, "I will ask the Buffalo to decide the 
question for us." 

Accordingly, the Snake and the Camel Driver crossed through the 
desert to the Buffalo, and the Snake said, "Oh, Buffalo, what is the 
recompense of good?" 

The Buffalo answered, "If you ask according to the creed of men, 
the return for good is evil. For many years I gave my master a calf 
each year, and filled my master's house with milk and butter; but 
when I became old and could give nothing more, he ceased to care for 
me, and turned me out into the desert." 

The Snake then said to the Camel Driver, "You see I was right! 
Prepare yourself to receive my sting." 

The Camel Driver replied, "It is not good law to decide a case on 
the evidence of only one witness. Let us seek another and abide by 
what he says." 

The Snake again looked around and saw a tree, "Come," said he, 
"and let us ask that tree to decide for us." 

So they came together to the foot of the tree, and the Snake en- 
quired of it, "What is the recompense for good?" 

The tree replied, "According to the custom of men the return 
for good is evil. The proof is as follows: I am a tree, grown in 
this wild region, standing here for the service of every passerby. 
When a weary traveller, overpowered by the heat, comes forth from 
the desert, he rests for a while beneath my shade. Then, when he 
opens his eyes again, he exclaims, 'Such a branch is suitable as a 
handle for my axe, and such a portion is fit and proper for my shovel; 



PERSIAN FABLES 



251 



from the trunk a number of good planks might be cut, and some of 
them could be made into beautiful doors.' If they have an axe or saw 
with them they cut off what boughs and limbs they please and carry 
them off. Such is the cruelty with which they repay the pleasure 
they have derived from you." 

The Snake exclaimed, "There, you see, both witnesses have de- 
cided against you. Make ready, for I am about to sting you." 

The Camel Driver rejoined, "Life is very precious, and so long 
as there is the faintest hope, it is hard for the heart to reconcile it- 
self to fate. If only one other witness will give evidence in this mat- 
ter, I will ungrudgingly surrender myself to your sting." 

It chanced to happen that a Fox was standing nearby listening to 
the discussion with much interest. The Snake said, "Let us consult 
this Fox, and see what answer he will give." 

No sooner had the Camel Driver asked this question, "What is the 
recompense for good?" than the Fox replied, "Surely you must know 
that the return for good is evil? What kindness have you done the 
Snake to make you deserving of punishment?" 

The young man repeated the circumstances of the case. The Fox 
replied, "I took you to be a clever man. What do you expect to 
gain by telling a falsehood?" 

The Snake interrupted, and said, "The man has spoken nothing but 
the truth. Look, there, tied to his saddle strap is the very bag with 
which he brought me out of the lire!" 

The Fox expressed great astonishment that the Snake should ex- 
pect him to believe such a story, since how could so large a Snake ever 
be contained in so small a bag? 

The Snake exclaimed, "If you do not believe me I will crawl back 



252 ORIENTAL FABLES 

again into the bag, so that you may see with your own eyes that we 
have told the truth." 

The Fox said, "When I have seen with my own eyes the proof 
of what you have told me, then I will give an impartial decision on the 
question in dispute between you." 

The man opened the bag, and the Snake, deceived by the Fox's 
words, once again crawled into it. Then the Fox exclaimed, "Oh, 
young man, when you have an enemy in your power, give him no 
quarter!" 

The Camel Driver, taking the Fox's advice, tied up the mouth of 
the bag, and pounded it upon the ground until the Snake's power to 
do harm was destroyed. 

(Anvar-i Suhaili. Book III, Chapter 3.) 

THE BLIND MAN AND THE SNAKE 

TWO travellers, one of whom was blind, halted their horses in 
the midst of a wild tract of country, and dismounted for the 
night. They set forth again on their journey in the grey dawn of 
early morning. The Blind Man searched upon the ground for his 
whip, and since it happened that a snake lay there half frozen with 
the cold, he mistook it for his whip, and picked it up. When he 
touched it with his hand he found it much softer and nicer than his old 
whip had been, and mounted his horse much pleased, giving no fur- 
ther thought to the whip he had lost. When daylight broke his com- 
panion looked and saw the Snake in the Blind Man's hand, where- 
upon he shouted: "Comrade, what you mistook for a whip is a 
poisonous Snake, fling it away at once, before it stings you!" 



PERSIAN FABLES 253 



The Blind Man thought that his companion envied him his fine 
new whip, so he replied, "Ah, friend, I lost my whip and God has 
given me a better one. You, too, will doubtless find one as good 
if fortune favours you, but I am not the man to let any one cheat me 
out of my whip with fantastic tales and false alarms." 

His companion laughed and said, "Friend, my sense of duty com- 
pelled me to warn you of your danger. You had best listen to what 
I say, and throw down the Snake." 

At this the Blind Man became angry, and said, "You can't fool 
me! You have taken a fancy to my whip, and are urging me to 
throw it away so that you may take advantage of my blindness and 
secure it for yourself. Give up that hope, for the whip came to me 
miraculously and I shall hold it fast." 

The more his comrade urged him to drop the Snake, the more 
closely the Blind Man clung to it. But at last, when the sun had 
mounted high and shone hotly down upon them, the Snake re- 
covered its activity, and twisting itself around stung the Blind Man 
upon his hand and killed him. 

(The Anvar-i Suhaili or The Lights of Canopus.J 



PART III 
CHINESE FABLES 




PART III 
CHINESE FABLES 

THE BITTERN AND THE MUSSEL 

NCE on the bank of the River Yi a Mussel was 
basking in the sunshine. All at once a Bittern, 
happening to pass by, discovered the Mussel and 
pecked at it. The Mussel snapped its shell to- 
gether and nipped the bird's beak; but no matter 
how tightly the Mussel nipped, the bird would not withdraw his beak. 
Presently the Bittern said: 

"If you don't open your shell to-day, if you don't open your shell 
to-morrow, there will be a dead MusseL" 
The shell-fish said in reply: 

"If you don't take your beak out to-day, if you don't take your beak 
out to-morrow, there will be a dead Bittern." 

But as neither could make up its mind to loose its hold upon the 
other, a fisherman, who happened to come that way, seized the pair 
of them and carried them off for his dinner. 

(Translated from the Chinese by C. Arendt. China Review Vol. 12, p. 62.) 

THE FOX AND THE TIGER 

ONCE upon a time the Tiger was in the habit of chasing all the 
beasts of the forests and devouring them. Among others he 
one day caught a fox, and prepared to dine on him. But the Fox 
said: 

"You must not eat me. For the Lord of Heaven has appointed me 

257 



258 ORIENTAL FABLES 

King of the animals. Therefore if you eat me you are breaking the 
commands of the Lord of Heaven. And if you don't believe me I 
will prove the truth of what I say. Let me walk in front while you 
follow in my footsteps. You will soon see that all the other animals 
make haste to get out of my way the moment they catch sight of me." 
The Tiger agreed to this plan ; and as they went together through 
the forest, with the Fox leading the way and the Tiger following, 
all the other animals hurriedly slunk away at the sight of them. But 
the foolish Tiger, not knowing that it was fear of himself that made 
them flee, imagined that they fled through fear of the Fox. 

(Translated from the Chinese of Chiang-Yi by C. Arendi. China Review, Vol. 12. 

p. 322. 

THE LOCUST, THE BEETLE, THE GOLDFINCH AND 

THE HUNTER 

ONCE upon a time a certain young Prince was walking in the 
garden behind the royal palace, when all at once he heard 
the song of a Locust from the bough of a tall tree. On drawing near 
to the tree he saw the Locust singing the prolonged notes of its little 
song, quite happy in having found a pleasant place to rest in the 
morning breeze. The Locust little knew that it was in danger from 
a Beetle which had crawled from bough to bough, and was just then 
raising its body and stretching out its front claws in order to seize 
and eat the Locust. But while the Beetle's attention was fixed upon 
the Locust it little knew that it was itself in danger from a Goldfinch 
which, fluttering back and forth in the shade of the green leaves, 
was preparing to make his dinner of it. And while the attention 
of the Goldfinch was fixed upon the Beetle, he little knew that the 
Prince was standing near with cross-bow in hand, preparing to shoot 




•IF YOU DO NOT OPEN YOUR SHELL 



THERE WILL BE A 



DEAD MUSSEL.'" 
— Page S5"< 



CHINESE FABLES 259 



him. And while the Prince's whole attention was fixed upon the 
Goldfinch, he little knew that close beside him was a deep ditch, nearly 
full of water. The Prince slipped and fell into the water. The noise 
of the splash startled the Goldfinch, which swiftly flew away; while 
the Beetle scurried back into his hole, leaving the Locust to finish 
his song in peace. 

Moral. There is no greater folly than to be so intent upon the 
advantage before your eyes that you pay no heed to the danger be- 
hind your back. 

(Translated from the Chinese by C. Arendt. China Review, Vol. 13. p. 23.) 

THE KING AND THE HORSES THAT TURNED THE 

MILLS 

ONCE on a time there was a certain King who was so miserly 
that for a long time his army had no cavalry, because of 
the high price of horses. But at last he was persuaded to buy five 
hundred horses as a protection against his enemies. When he had 
fed these horses for some time, and his kingdom was at peace with 
all the world, the King said to himself: "It is costing a great deal 
to feed these five hundred horses. They have to be cared for all the 
time, and are of no use in protecting my kingdom." So he ordered 
the master of the royal stables to blind the eyes of the horses, and 
set them turning the mills, so that they would at least earn their liv- 
ing, and not be an expense to the kingdom. 

After the horses had been for a long time used to turning the mills, 
all of a sudden a neighbouring King raised troops, and invaded the 
country. The King at once gave orders to equip the horses, and 
provide them with harness of war in order to provide mounts for 



260 ORIENTAL FABLES 

his brave soldiers. When the hour for battle came, the soldiers 
whipped and spurred their horses to drive them forward against the 
enemy and break his ranks. But when the horses felt the whip and 
spur they began turning round and round in a circle, and refused to go 
forward. The enemy's troops quickly saw that this cavalry was 
good for nothing. So they marched against it and quickly crushed 
the King's whole army. 

(Translated from the Chinese by M. S. Julien. Paris, 1859.) 

THE CROW AND THE PEACOCK 

ONE day the Peacock said to the Crow: 
"This is Lord Tiger's wedding-day. How shall we adorn 
ourselves for the wedding?" 

At that time the Crow was white and the Peacock yellow like a hen. 

"I have an idea!" the Crow replied. "The king of Annam is 
having a house built. It is a wonderful house ! The walls are being 
decorated with all the colours of the rainbow. There are dragons 
that are green and red, yellow and blue. The workmen have gone 
to eat their luncheon. We will run and get their pots of paint." 

The Crow immediately put his idea into execution. 

The Peacock insisted upon being painted first. 

The Crow, wishing to show his ability, painted upon the Peacock's 
feathers moons of yellow and green, arabesques of blue and black. 

The Peacock was magnificent. He went to look at himself in the 
water of the river, spreading out his tail to dry his feathers. But 



CHINESE FABLES 261 



when he saw that he was so handsome he continued to spread his tail, 
even after his feathers were dry. 

"Kwong-toh! Kwong-toh! How beautiful I am! How beauti- 
ful I am!" 

Just then the Crow called to him: 

"Friend, it is your turn to show your cleverness!" 

But the Peacock was proud and jealous. He had no intention of 
decorating the crow for Lord Tiger's wedding. So he said: 

"Didn't you hear the cry of that eagle? We must fly! We must 
hide ourselves!" 

And, pretending a great haste, he ran against the pots of paint and 
knocked them into the river. 

"I did not hear an eagle cry," said the Crow. 

"Then, I must have been mistaken. Come, I will paint you." 

"The paint is at the bottom of the river," the Crow said. 

"But here is one pot." 

"Then hurry!" 

"There! You're lovely!" 

The Crow went to look at himself in the water of the river — and 
found that he had been cruelly deceived. He wished to complain ; but 
his voice choked in his throat, and he could only scream harshly: 

"Caw! Caw!" 

Ever since then crows have been black and have had a harsh voice; 
while Peacocks are made gorgeous with a thousand colours. 

But their voice is no better for that! 

Beware of false friends. 



(From Contes et Legendes de I'Annam.) 



262 ORIENTAL FABLES 

THE CROWS AND THE OWLS 

TWO colonies, consisting of Crows and of Owls, lived in close 
proximity, and hated each other in a most neighbourly man- 
ner. As the Crows slept at night, and Owls by day, each in turn 
attacked the others when most defenceless, and the slaughter on 
both sides was great. At length a certain intelligent Crow remarked 
that this would never do. Some plan of exterminating their enemies 
must be found, if they were ever to dwell in peace. Upon being 
asked what plan he proposed, he told his fellow Crows to fall upon 
him and peck him severely, and pull out a number of his feathers, 
promising that if they would do this he had a plan by which to 
destroy the Owls. 

The other Crows did as their brother asked; and in a sorry plight 
with torn and bedraggled plumage, he presented himself at the domi- 
cile of the Owls, complained bitterly of the treatment he had suf- 
fered from his own people. When the Owls had all flocked out to 
learn what was the matter, the Crow explained that he had fled to 
them for shelter and protection. The Owls took pity on him, and 
one of them made room for him in his own nest. For a while all 
went well, until at length the Crow's feathers had grown again. Be- 
ing quite recovered, he set to work and piled large quantities of brush- 
wood around the Owls' hole, explaining, when they asked the reason, 
that he was trying to repay their kindness by heaping up a barrier 
against the cold winds. Shortly afterwards a snow storm came on 
and all the Owls crowded into the nest to escape the cold. Watching 




"THE PEACOCK INSISTED ON BEING PAINTED FIRST." 



—Page 260 



CHINESE FABLES 263 



his opportunity, the Crow stole a firebrand from the fire of some neigh- 
bouring peasants, and setting fire to the brushwood, smothered all the 
Owls to death. 

Never trust a renegade. 

(Folk-lore of China. By N. B. Dennys. London, 1876.) 

THE FOLLY OF AVARICE 

A WEALTHY Priest had hoarded a fine collection of Jewels, to 
which he was constantly adding, and of which he was in- 
ordinately proud. One day when he was showing them to a friend, 
the latter feasted his eyes upon them for some time, and presently, 
upon taking leave, gratefully thanked his host for the Jewels. "How 
is that," cried the Priest, "you must have misunderstood! I have 
not given the Jewels to you, why do you thank me?" "Well," re- 
joined his friend, "I have at least had as much pleasure from looking 
at the Jewels, as you can possibly have. The only difference be- 
tween us that I can see is that I am free from all care, while you have 
the trouble of guarding them." * 

(Folk-lore of China. By N. D. Dennys, London, 1876.) 



PART IV 
ARMENIAN AND TURKISH FABLES 




PART IV 
ARMENIAN AND TURKISH FABLES 

THE VIOLET AND THE IRIS 

N the early spring, some one praised the Violet for 
its loveliness, telling it that it was so beautiful that 
it looked like an Iris. Believing this, the foolish 
Violet at once sent an ambassador to the Iris in 
order to make friends with the royal purple flower, 
because of this fancied resemblance. 

The Iris returned this answer, "You are now beautiful with blos- 
soms, while I — my flowers are still hidden in their tight-wrapped buds. 
Wait until I, too, am in blossom." 

A few days later the lovely Violet faded and died; and when the 
Iris flowered, the Violet had completely disappeared. 

Be content with your own blessings. While you are envying those 
of others, your own may vanish. 

(Fables de Mkhithar Goch, Journal Asiatique, Ser. 9, Vol. 19.) 

THE SUN'S WANING GLORY 

THE Sun believed, each morning when he rose, that he was a 
God. But at night, when he set, he had to hide himself 
down beneath the Earth, and then he recognized his unimportance. 

Do not feel too much exalted by the glory of victory, for the time 
may come when your glory will wane. 

{Fables de Mkhithar Goch, Journal Asiatique, Ser. 9, Vol. 19.) 

267 



268 ORIENTAL FABLES 

THE VAIN CEREALS 

THE vain Cereals were disputing among themselves as to which 
of them should rule over the others. 
"I am the best," declared the Barley, "for I have sixty grains." 
"Nay, I am the most worthy," said the Millet, "for I have a hun- 
dred grains." 

The Wheat alone remained silent. 

Their King, seeing the humility of the Wheat, appointed him above 
all the others, and second only to the King himself. 

(Fables de Mkhithar Goch, Journal Asiatique, Ser. 9, Vol. 19.) 

THE WATERMELON 

A MAN, entering a garden, cut off a Watermelon and was about to 
eat it, when the Watermelon cried out in alarm: 

"What would you do, man? Do you not know that I am an 
Elephant's egg? If you carry me away and keep me unbroken, I 
shall hatch out for you a little Elephant, that will be worth hundreds 
of dollars." 

The foolish man, happy to have such a prize, carried it home with 
him and kept it carefully. But when the Watermelon only rotted, 
instead of hatching out a little Elephant, he threw it away in disgust. 
And thus the Watermelon escaped the knife. 

If you fall into the hands of wicked men, pretend to be of great 
value, and perhaps you will be spared until you have a chance to 
escape. 

(Fables de Mkhithar Goch, Journal Asiatique, Ser. 9, Vol. 19.) 






ARMENIAN AND TURKISH FABLES 269 

THE HIGHWAYMAN AND THE PRIEST 

A HIGHWAYMAN, having waylaid a Priest, prepared to kill him. 
The Priest suddenly found himself possessed of great strength, 
and he fought and conquered the Highwayman, and punished him 
as his conduct merited. The Highwayman cried for mercy and said: 
"How can you, who are a Priest, treat me thus, when you are all the 
time preaching 'Peace to all the earth,' and other similar teachings?" 
The Priest replied: "Oh, wicked Highwayman, it is in order to 
keep Peace on earth that I am maltreating you — you who do not know 
the beauty of Peace!" 

This Fable teaches us that it is right to resist injustice, not from 
love of combat, but to prevent the troubling of Peace. 

(Fables de Mkhithar Goch, Journal Asiatique, Ser. 9, Vol. 19.) 

THE BIG FISH AND THE FROGS 

THERE was once a certain Big Fish who felt a great desire to 
feed upon Frogs. But he could not reach them, for they were 
safely sheltered in their swamp. So the Big Fish tried flattering them, 
saying : "Oh, Frogs, what beautiful hands and feet you have ! And 
when you croak in chorus your voices are as sweet as an organ. Why 
do you not come nearer so that I may enjoy the sight of you?" The 
Frogs, understanding his purpose, answered: "You praise our shape 
and you praise our voice; but we know very well that it is not for the 
sake of our shape or voice that you want us, but for the taste of our 
tender flesh." 

This Fable teaches that we should weigh carefully the words of 



270 ORIENTAL FABLES 

flatterers; for they often betray themselves by their own words, no 
matter how artfully they conceal their meaning. 

(Fables de Mkhithar Goch, Journal Asiatique, Ser. 9, Vol. 19.) 

THE PLUM, THE PRUNE AND THE APRICOT 

THE Plum, the Prune and the Apricot were once reproached 
for setting on edge the teeth of those who eat them. They an- 
swered: "You do not know what you are talking about. All doc- 
tors know that we often upset the stomach. Nevertheless people in- 
sist upon eating us. Now if we make trouble in spite of our acid 
taste, think what endless mischief we would cause if we didn't set 
teeth on edge. You ought to be grateful rather than reproach us." 
Forbidden pleasures leave a bitter taste. 

(Fables de Mkhithar Goch, Journal Asiatique Ser. 9, Vol. 19.) 

THE PLANTER AND THE POMEGRANATE 

AN inexperienced Planter once asked a Pomegranate Tree: 
"Why do you produce so many blossoms, and then let so large 
a number of them fall to the ground without producing fruit?" The 
Pomegranate replied: "The eye of the Planter is greedy. My 
branches are slender and my fruit is heavy, and if I did not bend 
easily I could not sustain the weight of it. That is why I let many of 
the blossoms fall, so as not to be broken by more fruit than I can bear." 
This fable is a reproof to masters who tax the strength of their 
servants beyond the limits ordained by Providence. 

(Fables de Mkithar Goch, Journal Asiatique, Ser. 9, Vol. 19.) 



ARMENIAN AND TURKISH FABLES 271 

THE FIG-TREE AND HIS BRANCHES 

THE Fig-tree was once asked why he stretched out so many of his 
lower Branches so close to the ground. He replied: "Be- 
cause I have many enemies, and I have learned to bow low to them 
so that my Branches will not be broken. Thus they easily reach my 
fruit, and before they have begun to climb I have won their favour and 
made them forget their malice." 

This fable teaches that if we cannot hope to conquer an enemy, we 
should meet him with kindness and humility, and spread a generous 
table before him. In this way he will be disarmed and forget his 
evil purposes. 

{Fables de Mkhithar Goch, Journal Asiatique, Ser. 9, Vol. 19.) 

THE THORN AND THE VINE 

THE Thorn, which had long borne a grudge against the Vine, one 
day said in quarrelsome tone: "I grow and thrive like your- 
self, and like you I yield my fruit, and in one way I am superior to 
you since I do not wither and shed my leaves during the winter." 
The Vine silenced him by saying: "Your glory will be complete 
when your fruit is gathered in the autumn for the vintage." But 
when autumn came, instead of being gathered, the Thorn was trodden 
under foot. 

We learn from this Fable that foolish vanity should be silenced, 
and not allowed to claim a perfection which it lacks. For one defect 
is enough to offset many virtues. 

(Fables de Mkhithar Goch, Journal Asiatique, Ser. 9, Vol. 19.) 



272 ORIENTAL FABLES 

THE TREES CHOOSING A KING 

THE Trees once met in council to decide which one of them was 
best fitted to reign over the others. Some proposed the Date, 
because it was tall and its fruit was sweet. The Vine objected, say- 
ing: "It is I, with my wine, that give joy to the world, and for that 
reason I deserve to be King." In like manner each Tree was found 
to consider itself superior to the rest, and unwilling to accept any 
other for King. The Date, upon reflecting, understood that the rea- 
son why none of the Trees would agree to another reigning was be- 
cause none was willing to share the honours with the rest. Accord- 
ingly, he said: "You admit that I have a better claim to be King 
than any of the rest of you?" They all admitted this, saying: "Yes, 
for you are tall, and your fruit is sweet. You lack only two things : 
you do not give your fruit at the same season that we give ours; and 
your wood is not good for building. Besides, you are so tall that there 
are many who cannot enjoy your fruit." The Date answered: "If 
you choose me for your King I will make each and all of you Princes ; 
and in the fullness of time I will reign over your children and your 
children's children." Hearing this promise, the Trees all hailed the 
Date as their King, and he forthwith proclaimed the order of the 
Kingdom, appointing each Tree to its separate post of honour: The 
Vine, Chief Toastmaster; the Fig, Prime Minister; the Thorn, Chief 
Executioner; the Pomegranate, Court Physician; and so to each and 
every Tree and Plant its special post and task. 

This fable teaches that no one can reign without the help of the 
humble, nor rise in the world unless aided by those below him. Also 
favours received give hope of greater favours to come. 

(Fables de Mkhithar Goch, Journal Asiatique, Ser. 9, Vol. 19.) 



>~ 



X- 



-^<£r* 



THERE IS THE SOUND OF A BONE IN MY EARS, AND THE FEEL OF A BONF BETWEEN 

MY TEETH .* " unuofimtaiN 

—Page S7S 



ARMENIAN AND TURKISH FABLES 273 

THE PRINCE AND THE FLEA 

A PRINCE of Royal blood was once sadly tormented by a Flea. 
At last he caught the troublesome pest, and was about to kill it 
when the Flea said: "I beg of you, do not kill me, for the harm I 
have done you is small." "Yes," replied the Prince, before he 
crushed it, "but you did me all the harm that you could!" 

This Fable teaches that even small offenders must be punished, in 
order that big criminals may see and tremble. 

(Fables de Vartan. Paris, 1825.) 

THE FOX AND THE ICICLE 

A HUNGRY Fox, searching for food one winter day, came across 
a long, fine Icicle, shaped very much like a bone, and fell to 
gnawing it eagerly. "A plague upon it !" said he, "there is the sound 
of a bone in my ears, and the feel of a bone between my teeth, but 
never a scrap of it goes down into my stomach!" 

This Fable teaches that we must not judge by appearances. 

(Fables de Vartan. Paris, 1825.) 

THE THIRTY-TWO TEETH 

A SYRIAN Philosopher, both good and wise, was arguing one day 
with an Armenian, when the latter, who was young and quick 
tempered, became angry and cried: 

"I have half a mind to fling this stone in your mouth and knock 
out every one of your thirty-two teeth!" 



274 ORIENTAL FABLES 

The astonished Philosopher left the Armenian standing there and 
hurried home to consult his wife. "In Heaven's name, good wife," 
he said, "light the lamp and count my teeth, for I am anxious to 
know how many I have." The Philosopher's wife counted his teeth, 
and then said, "Indeed, husband, I find that you have thirty-two 
teeth, neither more nor less." 

The Philosopher hurried back to find his friend the Armenian, 
and asked him, "Pray tell me, how did you know how many teeth I 
have?" 

"Good master," replied the Armenian, "I judged the number of 
your teeth from my own." 

Just as the Armenian knew the number of the Philosopher's teeth, 
so may we know from our own faults the faults of others, since all 
men have the same faults in common. 

(Fables de Vartan.) 

THE TWO KINGS AT WAR 

A CERTAIN King, who was the hero of his century, had declared 
war on one of his neighbours. The enemy, who were poor in 
resources, and had not been able to make the necessary preparations, 
were at a loss how to defend themselves. Accordingly, their King 
sent a spy to meet the advancing host. This spy, watching from a 
distance, saw advancing an innumerable host of soldiers armed with 
lances. Straightway he turned his horse and galloped back to his 
sovereign. "Lord," he said, "you are going to be attacked by an 
army as vast as a fortune, for I have seen so many lances advancing 



ARMENIAN AND TURKISH FABLES 275 

that they will hide the sun!" "Take this robe of honour," said the 
Monarch. "If it pleases God, we will fight to-day in the shadow 
cast by the enemies' lances." By this war-like answer he inspired 
his followers with unconquerable courage and valour. 

(Fables Turques. Traduites par J. A. Decourdemanche. Paris, 1882.) 



BOOK THREE 
MODERN FABLES 



PART I 
ENGLISH FABLES 




PART I 



ENGLISH FABLES 

VERBATIM FROM BOILEAU 

NCE (says an author, where I need not say) 
Two travellers found an Oyster in their way: 
Both fierce, both hungry, the dispute grew strong, 
While, scale in hand, Dame Justice pass'd along. 
Before her each with clamour pleads the laws, 

Explained the matter and would win the cause. 

Dame Justice weighing long the doubtful right, 

Takes, opens, swallows it before their sight. 

The cause of strife remov'd so rarely well, 

"There take (says Justice), take ye each a shell. 

We thrive at Westminster on fools like you. 

'Twas a fat Oyster — live in peace — Adieu." 

(Alexander Pope.) 

THE LOST CAMEL 

A DERVISH was journeying alone in the desert, when two Mer- 
chants suddenly met him. "You have lost a Camel," said he 
to the Merchants. "Indeed we have," they replied. "Was he not 
blind in his right eye, and lame in his left leg?" said the Dervish. 
"He was," replied the Merchants. "Had he lost a front tooth?" said 

281 



282 MODERN FABLES 



the Dervish. "He had," rejoined the Merchants. "And was he not 
loaded with honey on one side, and wheat on the other?" — "Most 
, certainly he was," they replied; "and you have seen him so lately, 
and marked him so particularly, you can, in all probability, conduct 
us to him." — "My friends," said the Dervish, "I have never seen 
your Camel, nor ever heard of him but from yourselves." — "A pretty 
story, truly!" said the Merchants; "but where are the jewels which 
formed a part of his cargo?" — "I have neither seen your Camel nor 
your jewels," repeated the Dervish. On this, they seized him, and 
hurried him before the Cadi, or Judge, where, on the strictest search, 
nothing could be found upon him, nor could any evidence be of- 
fered to convict him, either of falsehood or of theft. They were then 
about to proceed against him as a sorcerer, when the Dervish, with 
great calmness, thus addressed the court: "I have been much 
amused with your surprise, and own that there has been some ground 
for your suspicions; but I have lived long, and alone; and I can 
find ample scope for observation, even in a desert. I knew that I 
had crossed the track of a Camel that had strayed from its owner, 
because I saw no mark of any human footsteps on the same route; I 
knew that the animal was blind of one eye, because it had cropped 
the herbage only on one side of the path: and I perceived that it was 
lame of one leg from the faint impression that one of its feet had pro- 
duced upon the sand; I concluded that the animal had lost one tooth, 
because wherever it had grazed, a small tuft of grass was left unin- 
jured, in the centre of its bite. As to that which formed the burden 
of the beast, the busy ants informed me that it was wheat on the one 
side, and the clustering flies, that it was honey on the other." 

(Oliver Goldsmith.) 



ENGLISH FABLES 283 



THE SPECTACLES 

HOW strangely all mankind differ in their opinions! and how 
strongly each is attached to his own! 
Jupiter one day, enjoying himself over a bowl of nectar, and in a 
merry humour, determined to make mankind a present. Momus 
was appointed to convey it to them; who, mounted on a rapid car, was 
presently on earth. "Come hither," said he, "ye happy mortals; 
great Jupiter has opened for your benefit his all-gracious hands. 
It is true, he made you somewhat short-sighted, but to remedy that in- 
convenience, behold how he has favoured you." So saying, he un- 
loosed his portmanteau, when an infinite number of spectacles tum- 
bled out, and were picked up by the crowd with all the eagerness im- 
aginable. There were enough for all; every man had his pair: but it 
was soon found that these spectacles did not represent objects to all 
mankind alike; for one pair was purple, another blue; one was white, 
and another black: some of the glasses were red, some green, and 
some yellow. In short, they were of all manner of colours, and every 
shade of colour. However, notwithstanding this diversity, every man 
was charmed with his own, as believing it the truest, and enjoyed in 
opinion all the satisfaction of reality. 

(Oliver Goldsmith.) 

THE YOUNG LADY AND THE LOOKING-GLASS 

THERE was a little stubborn Dame, 
Whom no authority could tame; 
Restive by long indulgence grown, 



284 MODERN FABLES 



No will she minded but her own: 

At trifles oft she'd scold and fret, 

Then in a corner take a seat, 

And, sourly moping all the day, 

Disdain alike to work or play. 
Papa all softer arts had tried, 

And sharper remedies applied; 

But both were vain; for ev'ry course 

He took, still made her worse and worse. 

Tis strange to think how female wit 

So oft should make a lucky hit ; 

When man with all his high pretence 

To deeper judgment, sounder sense, 

Will err, and measures false pursue — 

'Tis very strange, I own, but true — 

Mamma observed the rising lass, 

By stealth retiring to the glass, 

To practise little airs unseen, 

In the true genius of thirteen. 

On this a deep design she laid 

To tame the humour of the Maid; 

Contriving like a prudent Mother, 

To make one folly cure another. 

Upon the wall, against the seat 

Which Jessy used for her retreat, 

Whene'er by accident offended, 

A Looking-Glass was straight suspended, 

That it might show her how deformed, 

She looked, and frightful when she stormed; 



ENGLISH FABLES 285 



And warn her as she prized her beauty, 
To bend her humour to her duty. 
All this the Looking-Glass achieved; 
Its threats were minded and believed. 
The Maid who spurned at all advice, 
Grew tame and gentle in a trice: 
So, when all other means had failed, 
The silent monitor prevailed. 

Thus, Fable to the human kind 
Presents an image of the mind: 
It is a mirror, where we spy 
At large our own deformity: 
And learn of course those faults to mend 
Which but to mention would offend. 

(T. Moore.) 

THE MAN AND THE FLEA 

WHETHER in earth, in air, or main, 
Sure everything alive is vain ! 
Does not the Hawk all fowls survey 
As destined only for his prey? 
And do not Tyrants, prouder things, 
Think men were born for slaves to kings? 

"What dignity's in human nature!" 
Says Man, the most conceited creature, 
As from a cliff he casts his eyes, 
And views the sea with arching skies: 



286 MODERN FABLES 



"When I behold this glorious show, 
And the wide wat'ry world below, 
The scaly people of the main, 
The beasts that range the wood or plain, 
The winged inhabitants of air, 
The day, the night, the various year, 
And know all these by Heaven designed 
As gifts to pleasure human-kind: 
I cannot raise my worth too high; 
Of what vast consequence am I!" 

"Not of th' importance you suppose," 
Replies a Flea upon his nose: 
"Be humble, learn thyself to scan: 
Know, pride was never made for Man. 
'Tis vanity that swells thy mind. 
What, Heaven and Earth for thee designed ! 
For thee ! Made only for our need, 
That more important Fleas might feed." 

(John Gay.) 

THE HARE AND MANY FRIENDS 

FRIENDSHIP, like love, is but a name, 
Unless to one you stint the flame, 
The child, whom many guardians share, 
Hath seldom known a father's care. 
'Tis thus in friendship ; who depend 
On many, rarely find a friend. 
A hare, who in a civil way 



ENGLISH FABLES 287 



Complied with ev'rything, like Gay, 
Was known by all the bestial train 
Who haunt the wood, or graze the plain. 
Her care was, never to offend; 
And ev'ry creature was her friend. 

As forth she went, at early dawn, 
To taste the dew-besprinkled lawn, 
Behind she hears the hunter's cries, 
And from the deep-mouth'd thunder flies ; 
She starts, she stops, she pants for breath, 
She hears the near advance of death; 
She doubles to mislead the hound 
And measures back her mazy round; 
Till, fainting in the public way 
Half-dead with fear she gasping lay. 

What transport in her bosom grew, 
When first the horse appear'd in view! 

"Let me," says she, "your back ascend, 
And owe my safety to a friend. 
You know my feet betray my flight ; 
To friendship ev'ry burthen's light." 

The horse replied, "Poor honest Puss! 
It grieves my heart to see thee thus: 
Be comforted, relief is near; 
For all your friends are in the rear." 

She next the stately bull implor'd, 
And thus replied the mighty lord; 
"Since ev'ry beast alive can tell 
That I sincerely wish you well, 



288 MODERN FABLES 



I may, without offence, pretend 
To take the freedom of a friend. 
Love calls me hence; a fav'rite cow 
Expects me near yon barley-mow; 
And when a lady's in the case 
You know all other things give place, 
To leave you thus might seem unkind; 
But see, the goat is just behind." 

The goat remark'd her pulse was high, 
Her languid head, her heavy eye ; 
"My back," says he, "may do you harm; 
The sheep's at hand, and wool is warm." 

The sheep was feeble, and complain'd 
His sides a load of wool sustain'd: 
Said he was slow, confess'd his fears, 
For hounds eat sheep as well as hares. 

She now the trotting calf address'd, 

To save from death a friend distress'd, 

"Shall I," says he, "of tender age, 

In this important care engage? 

Older and abler pass'd you by; 

How strong are those ! how weak am I ! 

Should I presume to bear you hence, 

Those friends of mine may take offence. 

Excuse me, then. You know my heart, 

But dearest friends, alas ! must part. 

How shall we all lament ! Adieu ! 

For see, the hounds are just in view." 
(John Gay.) 



ENGLISH FABLES 289 



THE TURKEY AND THE ANT 

A TURKEY, tired of common food, 
Forsook the barn and sought the wood; 
Behind her ran her infant train, 
Collecting here and there a grain. 
"Draw near, my birds," the mother cries, 
"This hill delicious fare supplies; 
Behold the busy negro race, 
See millions blacken all the place ! 
Fear not; like me, with freedom eat; 
An Ant is most delightful meat. 
How bless'd, how envied were our life, 
Could we but 'scape the polt'rer's knife! 
But man, curs'd man, on Turkeys preys, 
And Christmas shortens all our days ! 
Sometimes with oysters we combine, 
Sometimes assist the savory chine; 
From the low peasant to the lord, 
The Turkey smokes upon the board. 
Sure, men for gluttony are curs'd, 
Of all the sev'n deadly sins the worst.' 



» 



An Ant, who climbed beyond her reach, 
Thus answered from a neighbouring beech: 
"Ere you remark another's sin, 
Bid thy own conscience look within; 
Control thy more voracious bill, 
Nor, for a breakfast, nations kill." 



290 MODERN FABLES 



In other folks we faults can spy, 
And blame the mote that dims their eye; 
Each little speck and blemish find: — 
To our own grosser errors blind. 

(John Gay.) 

THE BOY AND THE RAINBOW 

ONE evening, as a simple Swain 
His flocks attended on the plain, 
The shining Bow he chanced to spy 
Which warns us when a shower is nigh. 

With brightest rays it seemed to glow; 
Its distance, eighty yards or so. 
This bumpkin had, it seems, been told 
The story of the Cup of Gold, 

Which, Fame reports, is to be found 
Just where the Rainbow meets the ground. 
He therefore felt a sudden itch 
To seize the goblet and be rich ; 

Hoping, yet hopes are oft but vain, 
No more to toil through wind and rain, 
But sit indulging by the fire, 
Midst ease and plenty like a Squire. 



ENGLISH FABLES 291 



He marked the very spot of land 
On which the Rainbow seemed to stand, 
And, stepping forward at his leisure, 
Expected to have found the treasure. 

But as he moved, the coloured ray 
Still changed its place and slipped away, 
As seeming his approach to shun. 
From walking, he began to run ; 

But all in vain ; it still withdrew 
As nimbly as he could pursue. 
At last through many a bog and lake, 
Rough, craggy road and thorny brake, 

It led the easy fool till night 
Approached, then vanished from his sight, 
And left him to compute his gains, 
With nought but Labour for his Pains. 

(John Gay.) 

THE FARMER'S WIFE AND THE RAVEN 

BETWIXT her swagging panniers' load 
A Farmer's Wife to market rode, 
And jogging on, with thoughtful care, 
Summ'd up the profits of her ware; 
When starting from her silver dream, 



292 MODERN FABLES 



Thus far and wide was heard her scream. 

"That Raven on yon left-hand oak, 
Curse on his ill-betiding croak, 
Bodes me no good." No more she said, 
When poor blind Bob, with stumbling tread, 
Fell prone; o'erturn'd the panniers lay, 
And her mash'd eggs bestrew'd the way. 
She, sprawling on the yellow road, 
RaiFd, swore, and curs'd: "Thou croaking Toad, 
A murrain take thy rascal throat; 
I knew misfortune in the note." 

"Dame," quoth the Raven, "spare your oaths, 
Unclench your fist, and wipe your clothes. 
But why on me those curses thrown? 
Goody, the fault was all your own; 
For had you laid this brittle ware 
On Dun, the old sure-footed Mare, 
Though all the Ravens of the hundred 
With croaking had your tongue out-thunder'd, 
Sure-footed Dun had kept her legs, 
And you, good Woman, sav'd your eggs." 

(John Gay.) 

THE QUARRELSOME CATS 

TWO Cats having stolen some cheese could not agree about divid- 
ing it. To settle the quarrel they referred the matter to a 
Monkey. The latter readily consented to act as judge ; and producing 
a pair of scales he put a part of the cheese in each scale. "Let 



ENGLISH FABLES 293 



me see," he said gravely, "Yes, this lump outweighs the other," and 
immediately bit off a piece, "to make it balance," as he explained. 
The opposite scale had now become the heavier, which gave this 
careful judge an excuse for a second mouthful. "Hold, hold!" cried 
the two Cats, who began to be alarmed as to the outcome, "Give us 
our respective shares and we will be satisfied." 

"Even if you are satisfied," returned the Monkey, "Justice is not. 
A case of this difficult nature is not so quickly decided." Upon which 
he continued to nibble first one piece and then the other; until the 
poor Cats, seeing their cheese gradually diminishing, begged him to 
give himself no further trouble but hand over to them what remained. 

"Not so fast, my good friends," replied the Monkey. "We owe 
justice to ourselves as well as to you. What remains is due to me 
for my services." Upon which he crammed the rest of the cheese 
into his mouth, and gravely dismissed the Court. 

(Robert Dodsley, Original Fables.) 

THE BOYS AND THE FROGS 

ON the margin of a large lake, which was inhabited by a great 
number of Frogs, a company of Boys happened to be at 
play. The game they were playing was ducks and drakes; and 
whole vollies of stones were thrown into the water, to the great an- 
noyance and danger of the poor terrified Frogs. At length one of 
the boldest Frogs lifted up his head above the surface of the lake: 
"Ah! dear children," said he, "why will you learn so soon the 
cruel habits of the human race? Consider, I beseech you, that though 
this may be sport for you, it is death to us." 

(Robert Dodsley, Original Fables.) 



294 MODERN FABLES 



ECHO AND THE OWL 

A SOLEMN Owl, puffed up with vanity, sat repeating her screams 
at midnight from the hollow of a blasted oak. "For what rea- 
son," she cried, "is this awesome silence, unless for the sake of my 
superior music? Surely all the groves are hushed, in expectation 
of my song, and when I sing all Nature listens." An Echo, resound- 
ing from a neighbouring rock, at once replied: "All Nature listens." 
— "The Nightingale," resumed the Owl, "has usurped the sovereignty 
of night: her notes are indeed musical, but my own are far sweeter." 
Echo, confirming her opinion, again replied, "Are far sweeter." — 
"Then why should I be diffident," continued the Owl, "why should 
I hesitate to join the tuneful choir?" Echo, still flattering the Owl's 
vanity, repeated: "Join the tuneful choir." 

Trusting to the encouragement of an empty Echo, the Owl on the 
following morning mingled her hootings with the sweet melodies of 
the grove. But the feathered songsters, disgusted with her noise, and 
indignant at her impudence, one and all drove her from their society, 
and still continue to pursue her whenever she appears. 

The vain hear the flatteries of their own imagination, and believe 
them to be the voice of Fame. 

(Robert Dodsley, Original Fables, No. 12.) 

THE FLY IN SAINT PAUL'S CUPOLA 

AS a Fly was crawling leisurely up one of the columns of the 
Cupola of Saint Paul's Cathedral he often stopped, surveyed, 
examined and at last broke forth into the following exclamation: 



ENGLISH FABLES 295 



"How strange that any one who claims to be an artist should ever 
leave a superb structure like this so rough and unfinished!" 

"Ah! my friend," returned that skilful architect, the Spider, who 
was just then hanging his web under one of the capitals of the columns, 
"you should never express opinions of matters beyond your under- 
standing. This lofty building was not made for such tiny creatures 
as you and I, but for a very different sort of beings, men, who are at 
least ten thousand times as large. To their eyes, perhaps, these 
columns may seem as smooth as the delicate wings of your beloved 
mate appear to yours." 

(Robert Dodsley, Original Fables.) 

THE SPIDER AND THE SILK-WORM 

HOW vainly do we promise ourselves that our flimsy productions 
will be rewarded with immortal honour! 
A spider, busied in spreading his web from one side of the room 
to the other, was asked by an industrious silk-worm, to what end he 
spent so much time and labour, in making such a number of lines 
and circles? The spider angrily replied: "Do not disturb me, thou 
ignorant thing. I transmit my ingenuity to posterity, and fame is 
the object of my wishes." Just as he had spoken, a chambermaid 
coming into the room to feed her silk-worms, saw the spider at his 
work: and with one stroke of her broom swept him away, destroying 
at once his labour and his hopes of fame. 

{Robert Dodsley.) 



296 MODERN FABLES 



THE TWO LIZARDS 

AS two lizards were basking under a south wall: "How con- 
temptible," said one of them, "is our condition! We exist, it 
is true, but that is all, for we hold no sort of rank in the creation, 
and are utterly unnoticed by the world. Cursed obscurity! why 
was I not born a stag, to range at large, the pride and glory of some 
royal forest?" It happened, that in the midst of these unjust mur- 
murs, a pack of hounds was heard in full cry after the very creature 
he was envying, which being quite spent with the chase, was torn in 
pieces by the dogs, in sight of the two lizards. "And is this the 
lordly stag, whose place in the creation you wish to hold?" said the 
wiser lizard to his complaining friend. "Let his fate teach you to 
bless Providence for placing you in that humble situation which 
secures you from the dangers of a more elevated rank." 

(Robert Dodsley.) 

THE BOY AND THE FILBERTS 

A CERTAIN Boy put his hand into a pitcher where great plenty 
of Figs and Filberts were deposited; he grasped as many as 
his fist could possibly hold, but when he endeavoured to pull it out, 
the narrowness of the neck prevented him. Unwilling to lose any 
of them, but unable to draw out his hand, he burst into tears, and 
bitterly bemoaned his hard fortune. An honest fellow who stood 
by, gave him this wise and reasonable advice: — "Grasp only half the 
quantity, my boy, and you will easily succeed." 

(Dodsley, Fables.) 



ENGLISH FABLES 297 



THE BOY AND THE NETTLE 

A BOY playing in the fields got stung by a Nettle. He ran 
home to his mother, telling her that he had but touched that 
nasty weed, and it had stung him. "It was just your touching it, 
my boy," said the mother, "that caused it to sting you; the next time 
you meddle with a Nettle, grasp it tightly, and it will do you no 
hurt." 

Do boldly what you do at all. 

(Dodsley, Original Fables, No. 19.) 

THE STARS AND THE SKY-ROCKET 

AS a Rocket shot upward through the air, one holiday night, 
and saw the trail of light that marked his passage, he could not 
resist exulting in his proud ascent, and calling upon the Stars to 
do him homage. 

"Behold," said he, "what gaping multitudes admire the brilliance 
of my train, while all your feeble sparks of light are disregarded!" 

The Stars heard this foolish boast in silent indignation; only the 
Dog-star deigned to answer him: 

"Do not measure your importance," said he, "by the capricious 
fancy of the fickle crowd. Remember that you are only a part of 
the gaudy display of a passing moment. Even while I speak, your 
blaze is half burnt out, and you are at this instant sinking into endless 
darkness. Whereas our fires are lighted up by Heaven for the ad- 
miration and benefit of the universe ; and our glory shall endure for- 
ever." 



(Dodsley, Original Fables, No. 38.) 



298 MODERN FABLES 



THE KINGFISHER AND THE SPARROW 

A KINGFISHER was perched in a shady spot on the bank of a 
river, when she was surprised by the arrival of a Sparrow 
that had flown out from town to visit her. After the first greetings 
the Sparrow said: 

"How is it possible that a bird so finely feathered should spend 
all her days in such a retired spot? The golden plumage of your 
breast, the shining azure of your wings were never given you to be 
concealed, but to attract the wonder of all beholders. Why do 
you not travel and see the world, and become known and admired 

yourself?" 

"You are very kind," replied the Kingfisher, "to conclude that I 
need only to be known to be admired. But even in this lonesome 
valley I have sometimes heard of beauty that has been neglected, and 
of true worth that has been despised. I have learned, besides, not 
to base my happiness on what others think of me, but on the approval 
of my own conscience. It may be joy to a Sparrow to indulge his 
curiosity and display his eloquence. But I am a Kingfisher; these 
woods and streams are my delight, and so long as they are free from 
wind and storm I am perfectly content with my situation." 

(Dodsley, Original Fables, No. 51.) 

THE HUMMING-BIRD AND THE TRAVELLER 

A TRAVELLER who had visited Asia, Africa and Europe, was 
at length, in making his tour through America, overcome with 
heat, and lay down to rest under a tree. He had scarcely begun 
to doze, when he was roused by a loud noise, of which he could 



ENGLISH FABLES 299 



not discover the cause. Looking about him, he perceived a small 
Bird issuing forth from the hollow of a tree, whose beautiful plumage 
was variegated like the rainbow, and whose size was hardly larger 
than that of a Bumble-bee. 

"Is it you, little insect, that makes this loud humming noise?" 
exclaimed the Traveller. 

"Yes," replied the Bird, "you need not be surprised at that, since 
it happens as often among men as among animals, that those of least 
consequence make the most noise." 

(Dr. Aikin.) 



THE CHAMELEON 

OFT has it been my lot to mark 
A proud, conceited, talking spark, 
With eyes that hardly served at most 
To guard their master 'gainst a post; 
Yet round the world the blade has been, 
To see whatever could be seen. 
Returning from his finished tour, 
Grown ten times perter than before; 
Whatever word you chance to drop, 
The travelled fool your mouth will stop: 
"Sir, if my judgment you'll allow — 
I've seen — and sure I ought to know." 
So begs you pay a due submission, 
And acquiesce in his decision. 



300 MODERN FABLES 



Two travellers of such a cast, 
As o'er Arabia's wilds they passed, 
And on their way, in friendly chat, 
Now talked of this, and then of that; 
Discoursed awhile, 'mongst other matter, 
Of the chameleon's form and nature. 
"A stranger animal," cries one, 
"Sure never lived beneath the sun: 
A lizard's body lean and long, 
A fish's head, a serpent's tongue, 
Its foot with triple claw disjoined; 
And what a length of tail behind! 
How slow its pace! And then its hue, — 
Who ever saw so fine a blue?" 

"Hold there," the other quick replies, 
" Tis green, I saw it with these eyes, 
As late with open mouth it lay, 
And warmed it in the sunny ray; 
Stretched at its ease the beast I viewed, 
And saw it eat the air for food." 

"I've seen it, sir, as well as you, 
And must again affirm it blue; 
At leisure I the beast surveyed 
Extended in the cooling shade." 

" 'Tis green, 'tis green, sir, I assure ye.' 
"Green!" cries the other in a fury; 
"Why, sir, d'ye think I've lost my eyes?" 

" 'Twere no great loss," the friend replies; 
"For if they always serve you thus, 



ENGLISH FABLES 301 



You'll find them but of little use." 

So high at last the contest rose, 
From words they almost came to blows: 
When luckily came by a third; 
To him the question they referred; 
And begged he'd tell them, if he knew, 
Whether the thing was green or blue. 

"Sirs," cries the umpire, "cease your pother, 
The creature's neither one nor t'other. 
I caught the animal last night, 
And viewed it o'er by candle-light; 
I marked it well, 'twas black as jet — 
You stare — but, sirs, I've got it yet, 
And can produce it." "Pray, sir, do; 
I'll lay my life the thing is blue." 
"And I'll be sworn, that when you've seen 
The reptile, you'll pronounce him green." 
"Well, then, at once to ease the doubt," 
Replies the man, "I'll turn him out; 
And when before your eyes I've set him, 
If you don't find him black, I'll eat him," 

He said; and full before their sight 
Produced the beast, and lo ! — 'twas white. 
Both stared; the man looked wondrous wise — 

"My children," the chameleon cries 
(Then first the chameleon found a tongue) , 
"You all are right, and all are wrong: 
When next you talk of what you view, 



302 MODERN FABLES 



Think others see as well as you : 
Nor wonder if you find that none 
Prefers your eyesight to his own." 

(James Merrick.) 

THE BEARS AND THE BEES 

AS two young Bears, in wanton mood, 
Forth issuing from a neighbouring wood, 
Came where the industrious Bees had stored, 
In artful cells, their luscious hoard; 
O'erjoyed, they seized with eager haste, 
Luxurious, on the rich repast. 
Alarmed at this, the little crew 
About their ears vindictive flew. 
The beasts, unable to sustain 
The unequal combat, quit the plain; 
Half blind with rage and mad with pain, 
Their native shelter they regain; 
There sit, and now discreeter grown, 
Too late their rashness they bemoan; 
And this, by dear experience, gain: — 
That pleasure's ever bought with pain. 

So, when the gilded baits of vice 
Are placed before our longing eyes, 
With greedy haste we snatch our fill 
And swallow down the latent ill: 
But when experience opes our eyes, 



ENGLISH FABLES 303 



Away the fancied pleasure flies. 
It flies, but, oh ! too late we find 
It leaves a real sting behind. 

(James Merrick.) 

THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE GLOW-WORM 

A NIGHTINGALE, that all day long 
Had cheered the village with his song, 
Nor yet at eve his note suspended, 
Nor yet when eventide was ended, 
Began to feel, as well he might, 
The keen demands of appetite; 
When, looking eagerly around, 
He spied far off, upon the ground, 
A something shining in the dark, 
And knew the glow-worm by his spark; 
So, stooping down from hawthorn top, 
He thought to put it in his crop. 
The worm, aware of his intent, 
Harangued him thus, right eloquent. 
"Did you admire my lamp," quoth he, 
"As much as I your minstrelsy, 
You would abhor to do me wrong, 
As much as I to spoil your song ; 
For 'twas the self-same power divine, 
Taught you to sing and me to shine, 
That you with musicj I with light, 
Might beautify and cheer the night." 



304 MODERN FABLES 



The songster heard his short oration, 
And warbling out his approbation, 
Released him, as my story tells, 
And found a supper somewhere else. 

(William Cow per.) 

THE LILY AND THE ROSE 

WITHIN the garden's peaceful scene, 
Appear'd two lovely foes, 
Aspiring to the rank of queen, — 
The Lily and the Rose. 

The Rose soon redden'd with rage: 

And swelling with disdain, 
Appeal'd to many a poet's page, 

To prove her right to reign. 

The Lily's height bespoke command, 

A fair imperial flower; 
She seemed designed for Flora's hand, 

The sceptre of her power. 

This civil bickering and debate, 

The goddess chanced to hear, 
And flew to save ere yet too late, 

The pride of the parterre. 






ENGLISH FABLES 305 



"Yours is," she said, "the nobler hue, 

And yours the statelier mien ; 
And, till a third surpasses you, 
Let each be deemed a queen. 

Let no mean jealousies pervert your mind, 
A blemish in another's fame to find; 
Be grateful for the gifts that you possess, 
Nor deem a rival's merit makes yours less. 

(William Cow per.) 

THE BUTTERFLY AND THE BEE 



M 



ETHOUGHT I heard a butterfly 
Say to a labouring bee: 
'Thou hast no colours of the sky 
On painted wings like me." 



"Poor child of vanity! those dyes, 
And colours bright and rare," 

With mild reproach, the bee replies, 
"Are all beneath my care. 

"Content I toil from morn to eve, 

And scorning idleness, 
To tribes of gaudy sloth I leave 

The vanity of dress." 

{William Lisle Bowles.) 



306 MODERN FABLES 



THE MOUNTAIN AND THE SQUIRREL 

THE Mountain and the Squirrel 
Had a quarrel, 
And the former called the latter, "Little Prig:" 
Bun replied — 
"You are doubtless very big; 
But all sorts of things and weather 
Must be taken in together 
To make up a year, 
And a sphere; 
And I think it no disgrace 
To occupy my place, 
If I'm not so large as you, 
You are not so small as I 
And not half so spry; 
I'll not deny you make 
A very pretty squirrel track. 
Talents differ; all is well and wisely put; 
If I cannot carry forests on my back, 
Neither can you crack a nut." 

(Ralph Waldo Emerson.) 

SIX MEN OF INDOSTAN 

IT was six men of Indostan 
To learning much inclined 
Who went to see the Elephant 



ENGLISH FABLES 307 



(Though all of them were blind) , 
That each by observation 
Might satisfy his mind. 

The First approached the Elephant 

And, happening to fall 
Against his broad and sturdy side, 

At once began to bawl: 
"God bless me ! — but the Elephant 

Is very like a wall!" 

The Second, feeling of the tusk, 
Cried "Ho ! What have we here 

So very round and smooth and sharp? 
To me 'tis mighty clear 

This wonder of an Elephant 
Is very like a spear!" 

The Third approached the animal, 

And, happening to take 
The squirming trunk within his hands, 

Thus boldly up and spake: — 
"I see," quoth he, "the Elephant 

Is very like a snake!" 

The Fourth reached out his eager hand, 

And felt about the knee; 
"What most this wondrous beast is like, 



308 MODERN FABLES 



Is mighty plain," quoth he; 
" Tis clear enough the Elephant 
Is very like a tree!" 

The Fifth who chanced to touch the ear, 
Said, "E'en the blindest man 

Can tell what this resembles most; 
Deny the fact who can, 

This marvel of an Elephant 
Is very like a fan!" 

The Sixth no sooner had begun 

About the beast to grope, 
Than seizing on the swinging tail 

That fell within his scope, 
"I see," quoth he, "the Elephant 

Is very like a rope!" 

And so the men of Indostan 

Disputed loud and long, 
Each in his own opinion 

Exceeding stiff and strong, 
Though each was partly in the right 

And all were in the wrong! 

MORAL 

So, oft in theologic wars 

The disputants, I ween, 
Rail on in utter ignorance 



ENGLISH FABLES 309 



Of what each other mean 
And prate about an Elephant 
Not one of them has seen! 

(John Godfrey Saxe.) 

THREE BUGS 

THREE little bugs in a basket, 
And hardly room for two! 
And one was yellow, and one was black, 

And one like me, or you. 
The space was small, no doubt, for all; 
But what should three bugs do? 

Three little bugs in a basket, 

And hardly crumbs for two ; 
And all were selfish in their hearts, 

The same as I or you ; 
So the strong ones said, "We will eat the bread, 

And that is what we'll do." 

Three little bugs in a basket, 

And the beds but two would hold ; 

So they all three fell to quarrelling — 
The white, and the black, and the gold; 

And two of the bugs got under the rugs, 
And one was left out in the cold ! 



310 MODERN FABLES 



So he that was left in the basket, 

Without a crumb to chew, 
Or a thread to wrap himself withal, 

When the wind across him blew, 
Pulled one of the rugs from one of the bugs; 

And so the quarrel grew! 

And so there was war in the basket, 
Ah, pity 'tis, 'tis true! 

But he that was frozen and starved at last 

A strength from his weakness drew, 

And pulled the rugs from both of the bugs, 
And killed and ate them, too ! 

{Alice Cary.) 

THE CHICKEN'S MISTAKE 

A LITTLE chick one day 
Asked leave to go on the water, 
Where she saw a duck and her brood at play, 
Swimming and splashing about her. 



Indeed she began to peep and cry 
When her mother wouldn't let her; 

"If the ducks can swim there, why can't I? 
Are they any bigger or better?" 

Then the old hen answered: "Listen to me, 

And hush your foolish talking; 
Just look at your feet and you will see 

They were only made for walking." 




" 'IF THE DUCKS CAN SWIM THERE, WHY CAN'T I?' " 



-Page 310 



ENGLISH FABLES 311 



But chicky wistfully eyed the brook 

And didn't half believe her, 
For she seemed to say, by a knowing look, 

Such stories couldn't deceive her. 

And as her mother was scratching the ground, 

She muttered, lower and lower, 
"I know I can go there and not be drowned, 

And so, I think, I'll show her." 

Then she made a plunge where the stream was deep, 

And saw, too late, her blunder, 
For she had hardly time to peep; 

When her foolish head went under. 

And now I hope her fate will show 

The child my story reading, 
That those that are older sometimes know 

What you will do well in heeding; 

That each content in his place should dwell, 

And envy not his brother; 
For any part that is acted well, 

Is just as good as another. 

For we all have our proper sphere below, 

And this is a truth worth knowing: 
You will come to grief if you try to go 

Where you were never made for going. 

{Phoebe Cary.) 



312 MODERN FABLES 



THE CROW'S CHILDREN 

A HUNTSMAN, bearing his gun a-field, 
Went whistling merrily, 
When he heard the blackest of black crows 
Call out from a withered tree: — 

"You are going to kill the thievish birds, 

And I would, if I were you ; 
But you must not touch my family, 

Whatever else you do." 

"I'm only going to kill the birds 

That are eating up my crop ; 
And if your young ones do such things, 

Be sure they'll have to stop." 

"0," said the crow, "my children 

Are the best ones ever born 
There isn't one among them all 

Would steal a grain of corn." 

"But how shall I know which ones they are? 

Do they resemble you?" 
"0, no," said the crow, "they're the prettiest birds, 

And the whitest, ever flew." 



ENGLISH FABLES 313 



So off went the sportsman whistling, 

And off, too, went his gun ; 
And its startling echoes never ceased 

Again till the day was done. 

And the old crow sat untroubled, 

Cawing away in her nook. 
For she said; "He'll never kill my birds, 

Since I told him how they look. 

"Now there's the hawk, my neighbour, 
She'll see what'll come to pass soon, 

And that saucy, whistling black-bird 
May have to change his tune." 

When, lo ! she saw the hunter 
Taking his homeward track, 

With a string of crows as long as his gun, 
Hanging down his back. 

"Alack, alack!" said the mother, 
"What in the world have you done? 

You promised to spare my pretty birds, 
And you've killed them, every one." 

"Your birds," said the puzzled hunter; 

"Why, I found them in my corn; 
And, besides, they are black and ugly 

As any that ever were born." 



314 MODERN FABLES 



"Get out of my sight, you stupid!" 

Said the angriest of crows ; 
"How good and fair the children are, 

There's none but a parent knows." 

"Ah ! I see, I see," said the hunter, 

"But not as you do, quite; 
It takes a mother to be so blind 

She can't tell black from white." 

(Phoebe Cary.) 

THE ENVIOUS WREN 

ON the ground lived a hen, 
In a tree lived a wren, 
Who picked up her food here and there; 
While biddy had wheat 
And all nice things to eat. 
Said the wren, "I declare, 'tisn't fair!" 

"It is really too bad!" 

She exclaimed — and was mad — 
"To go out when it's raining this way! 

And to earn what you eat, 

Doesn't make your food sweet, 
In spite of what some folks may say. 



ENGLISH FABLES 315 



"Now there is that hen," 

Said the cross little wren, 
"She's fed till she's fat as a drum; 

While I strive and sweat 

For each bug that I get, 
And nobody gives me a crumb. 

"I can't see for my life 

Why the old farmer's wife 
Treats her so much better than me. 

Suppose on the ground 

I hop carelessly round 
For a while and just see what I'll see." 

Said this cute little wren, 

"I'll make friends with the hen, 
And perhaps she will ask me to stay; 

And then upon bread 

Every day I'd be fed, 
And life would be nothing but play." 

So down flew the wren, 

"Stop to tea," said the hen; 
And soon biddy's supper was sent; 

But scarce stopping to taste, 

The poor bird left in haste 
And this was the reason she went: 

When the farmer's kind dame 
To the poultry-yard came, 
She said — and the wren shook with fright- 



316 MODERN FABLES 



"Biddy's so fat she'll do 
For a pie or a stew, 
And I guess I shall kill her to-night." 

{Phcebe Cary.) 

THEY DIDN'T THINK 

ONCE a trap was baited 
With a piece of cheese; 
It tickled so a little mouse 

It almost made him sneeze; 
An old rat said, "There's danger, 

Be careful where you go!" 
"Nonsense!" said the other, 
"I don't think you know!" 

So he walked in boldly — 

Nobody in sight; 
First he took a nibble, 

Then he took a bite; 
Close the trap together 

Snapped as quick as wink, 
Catching mousey fast there, 

'Cause he didn't think. 

Once a little turkey, 

Fond of her own way, 
Wouldn't ask the old ones 



ENGLISH FABLES 317 



Where to go or stay; 
She said, "I'm not a baby, 

Here I am half-grown; 
Surely I am big enough 

To run about alone!" 

Off she went, but somebody 

Hiding saw her pass ; 
Soon like snow her feathers 

Covered all the grass, 
So she made a supper 

For a sly young mink, 
'Cause she was so headstrong 

That she wouldn't think. 

Once there was a robin, 

Lived outside the door, 
Who wanted to go inside 

And hop upon the floor. 
"Oh, no," said the mother, 

"You must stay with me; 
Little birds are safest 

Sitting in a tree." 

"I don't care," said Robin, 
And gave his tail a fling, 

"I don't think the old folks 
Know quite everything." 



318 MODERN FABLES 



Down he flew, and Kitty seized him 
Before he'd time to blink 

"Oh," he cried, "I'm sorry, 
But I didn't think." 

Now, my little children, 

You who read this song, 
Don't you see what trouble 

Comes of thinking wrong? 
And can't you take a warning 

From their dreadful fate, 
Who began their thinking 

When it was too late? 

Don't think there's always safety 

Where no danger shows, 
Don't suppose you know more 

Than anybody knows; 
But when you're warned of ruin, 

Pause upon the brink, 
And don't go under headlong 

'Cause you didn't Think. 

(Phcebe Cory.) 



PART II 
FRENCH FABLES 



PART II 
FRENCH FABLES 

DEATH AND THE WOODMAN 

A WOODMAN poor, all covered with his load, 
Beneath the weight of Faggots and of Years, 
Groaning and bent, his double burden bears 
Towards the misery of his mean Abode. 
At length outworn with utmost weariness, 
He lays him down; he dreams o'er his distress; 
What pleasure has he had since life began? 
Is there another such a wretched Man? 
Sometimes no bread, and never perfect rest, 
Crushed by home cares, by taxes sore oppressed, 
By debt, the Soldiers and the toil enforced; * 
He deems his lot of mortal lots the worst. 
He calls on Death. She comes without delay. 
"You summoned me," she cries; "What is't you lack?" 
"Only to help me lift upon my back 
This burden here," he says, "nor longer stay." 

1 Labor imposed as a tax. 

(La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. I, No. 16. Translated by Paul Hookham.) 

THE FOX AND THE STORK 

ONCE Goodman Fox with great benevolence 
Asked Gossip Stork to dine at his expense. 
The fare was poor; in quantity not vast; 

321 



322 MODERN FABLES 



Our gallant, for the whole repast, 
Produced a slender soup which — sad to state — 
Was served upon an ordinary plate. 
The Stork's long beak could hardly get a taste. 

To be revenged upon this sinner, 
The Stork in time invited him to dinner. 
On such occasions it was not his way 
To deal in vain excuses or delay; 

The hour appointed came; 
He scampered to the lodging of the dame 

Who greeted him benignly. 

The meal was cooked divinely; 
His appetite was all a Fox's should be 
Or could be. 

The meat, cut up capriciously, 

In little morsels, smelt deliciously. 

But now — what puzzled much his wits — 
Behold these dainty bits 
Served in a long-necked Jar with outlet narrow. 

Judge how it must his feeling harrow 
To see the Stork's beak dodging in and out — 
A thing impossible to Vulpine snout! 

His hungry, homeward way he steers, 
With tail between his legs, and drooping ears, 

Feeling as much a victim 
As if some common barn-door Fowl had tricked him ! 

{La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. I, No. 18. Translated by Paul Hoohham.) 






FRENCH FABLES 323 



THE COCK AND THE PEARL 

ACOCK scratched up one day 
A Pearl of purest ray 
Which to a jeweller he bore, 
"I think it fine," he said, 
"But yet a crumb of bread 
To me were worth a great deal more." 

So did a dunce inherit 

A manuscript of merit 
Which to a publisher he bore, 

" 'Tis good," he said, "I'm told, 

Yet any coin of gold 
To me were worth a great deal more." 

(La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. I, No. 20. Translated by Elizur Wright, Jr.) 

THE OAK AND THE REED 

THE Oak one day said to the Reed, 
"Good cause have you your hapless lot to mourn. 
To you a clinging Wren's a load indeed; 

The least wind that is born, 
Ruffling the stream, bids you take heed 

To make obeisance low; 
While my proud top, for Caucasus a match, 
The arrowy sun-shafts not content to catch, 



324 MODERN FABLES 



Braves all the winds that blow. 
All's storm to you, all Zephyr calm to me. 
Yet if you had but sprung beneath the shade 

My branching arms have made, 

Such wrong there would not be; 
I'd shelter you, though tempests did invade; 

But you I oftest find 
On moist banks in the Kingdoms of the Wind! 
Scant favour to your Race has Nature shown." 
"Your pity," said the Plant, "I can but own 
Kindly conceived. But give yourself no pain; 

Such fears are vain; 
Less dangerous are the winds to me than you. 
I bend but break not. To this hour 'tis plain, 

Since whole you stand, your mighty frame 
Has served you to oppose 
The utmost that these blusterers could do; 
But mark the End." As these his words uprose, 

A darkness o'er the horizon came; 
Soon from that gathering frown 
Sprang forth the fiercest Child 
The North e'er nursed within his bosom wild; 

The Tree holds firm; the Reed drops down. 

With rage renewed sweeps on the Storm: 
Lies low the giant form 
Of him who reared his Heaven-neighbouring head 
And whose feet touched the Empire of the Dead. 

{La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. I, No. 22. Translated by Paul Hoohham.) 



FRENCH FABLES 325 



THE COUNCIL HELD BY THE RATS 

OLD Rodilard, a certain Cat, 
Such havoc with the Rats had made, 
'Twas difficult to find a Rat 

With nature's debt unpaid, 

The few that did remain, 
To leave their holes afraid, 

From usual food abstain, 
Not eating half their fill. 
And wonder no one will, 
That one who made on Rats his revel 
With Rats passed, not as Cat but Devil. 
Now, on a day, this dreaded Rat eater, 
Who had a wife, went out to meet her; 
And while he held his caterwauling 
The unkilled Rats, their chieftain calling, 
Discussed the point in grave debate, 
How they might shun impending fate. 
Their Dean, a prudent Rat, 
Thought best, and better soon than late, 

To bell the Cat. 
That when he took his hunting round, 
The Rats, well cautioned by the sound, 
Might hide in safety underground : 

Indeed, he knew no other means, 
And all the rest 



326 MODERN FABLES 



At once confessed 
Their minds were with the Dean's. 

No better plan, they all believed, 

Could possibly have been conceived; 

No doubt, the thing would work right well, 

If any one would hang the bell. 

But, one by one, said every Rat, 

"I'm not so big a fool as that." 

The plan knocked up in this respect, 

The council closed without effect, 

And many a council have I seen 

Of revered Chapter with its Dean, 
That, thus resolving wisely, 
Fell through like this precisely. 

To argue or refute 

Wise counsellors abound ; 

The man to execute 

Is harder to be found. 

(La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. II, No. 2. Translated by Elizur Wright.) 

THE BAT AND THE TWO WEASELS 

A BAT in his blind flight, 
Rushed headlong into an old Weasel's hole, 
Who hated Mice with all his heart and soul, 
And straight made at him, furious at the sight. 
"What! Have you dared to show your hateful face 
Inside my house — 



FRENCH FABLES 327 



One of your mischievous, accursed race? 
As sure as I'm a Weasel, you're a Mouse!" 
"Spare me," said the trembling refugee. 

"That really is not my vocation; 
Some wretched slanderer, I plainly see, 

Has wronged me in your estimation. 
A Mouse? — Oh, dear, no! What? With wings, like me? 

I am a Bird, I say, 
Long live the feathered race, that skims the air!" 
Such reasoning sounded fair; 
Proof positive : it seemed, was there, 
And the Bat went his way. 
Some two days afterwards the stupid creature 
Into a second Weasel's lodgings flew, 
Who was at feud with all the feathered crew: 
Again, by reason of his doubtful feature, 
He found himself in peril of his life: 

Rising to meet him, the Weasel's long-nosed Wife 
Thought him a Bird, and was prepared to eat him. 
Again he made his piteous protest heard: 

"Oh, Madam, you're mistaken! I a Bird! 
Why, you can't see! 
What makes a Bird? Feathers, not fur, like me! 
No — I'm a Mouse : Long live the Mice and Rats ! 
And Jove confound all Cats!" 
So by his two-fold plea 
The Trimmer kept his life and liberty. 

(La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. II, No. 5. Translated by Rev. W. Lucas Collins.) 



328 MODERN FABLES 



M 



THE FOX AND THE RAVEN 

ASTER RAVEN sate perched on the top of a tree, 
A cheese stuffed the beak of this sable marauder; 
Allured by the smell, Master Fox came to see 

What it was through the air spread so tempting an odour. 
When thus he began: "Ah, Sir Ralph! — a good morning: 

How charming you look, and how tasteful your dress! 
These bright, glossy plumes, your fine person adorning, 

Produce an effect which I cannot express. 
Colours glaring and tawdry were never my choice; 
When I view them, disgust is my only sensation: 
If you join to that plumage a mellow-toned voice, 

You're the Phoenix, I vow, of the feathered creation.'* 
The Raven, cajoled, ope'd his beak of vast size, 

To give his new friend a sweet sample of croaking; 
In the jaws of sly Renard down dropped the rich prize; 

Who then took his leave, with this lecture provoking: 
"Honest Ralph, this conclusion the premises follows: 

Give me leave your attention this maxim to press on; 
He who flatters will cheat the vain blockhead who swallows. 

At the price of a cheese 'tis a very cheap lesson." 

The Raven, ashamed, swore a little too late, 
Nevermore he'd be caught by so worthless a bait. 

(La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. II, No. 15. Anonymous translation.) 



FRENCH FABLES 329 



THE SAYING OF SOCRATES 

ABOUT a home that Socrates was building 
Arose discussion. None approved his plan : 
The lack of moulding, panelling and gilding 
Did little honour to so great a Man. 

Then the facade was plain ; and all 
Agreed that the Apartments were too small. 

To these objections, urged in courteous style, 
Socrates answered with a placid smile : 
"Such as it is, pray Heaven it be 
Filled with true friends," said he. 

(La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. IV, No. 17. Translated by Paul Hookham.) 

THE HARE'S EARS 

IT chanced that some unruly horrid beast 
Had gored the Lion King; 
Who, hot with wrath at such a monstrous thing, 
Vowed to secure himself henceforth at least, 

And issued strict command, 
All creatures that wore horns should quit his land. 
Goats, Rams and Bulls decamped that very day; 

The Stags sought change of air; 
Of all his long- and short-horned subjects there, 
None lost an hour in getting safe away. 

The Hare, a timid creature, 
Caught sight in shadow of his poor long Ears, 



330 MODERN FABLES 



And grew distraught with fears 
Lest some might construe into horns that feature. 
He sought the Grasshopper, his country neighbour: 

"Adieu," said he, "my friend. 
I'm off at once: I feel that in the end, 
Under some false impeachment I shall labour: 
My Ears will count as horns, you may depend. 

Nay, even if I displayed 'em 
Short as an Ostrich, 'twould be all the same; 

Horns is their name!" 
"Horns!" quoth his friend, — "they're Ears, as Heaven made 'em; 

D'ye take me for a fool?" 

"Horns they will be for all that," said the Hare, 
"Plain as a Unicorn's by this new rule; 

Protest nor prayer, 
If I'm clapt up in jail, will serve me there." 

(La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. V, No. 4. Translated by the Rev. Wm. Lucas Collins.) 

THE COCK, THE CAT AND THE YOUNG MOUSE 

A PERT young Mouse to whom the world was new 
Had once a near escape, if all be true. 
He told his mother, as I need tell you: 

"I crossed the mountains that beyond us rise, 

And, journeying onwards, bore me 
As one who had a great career before me, 
When lo ! two creatures met my wondering eyes — 
The one of gracious mien, benign and mild; 



FRENCH FABLES 331 



The other fierce and wild, 
With high-pitched voice that filled me with alarm; 
A lump of sanguine flesh grew on his head, 
And with a kind of arm 

He raised himself in air, 

As if to hover there; 
His tail was like a horseman's plume outspread." 
(It was a farmyard Cock, you understand, 
That our gay friend described in terms so grand, 
As 'twere some marvel come from foreign land.) 

"With arms raised high, 
He beat his sides, and made such hideous cry, 

That even I, 
Brave as I am, thank Heaven! had wellnigh fainted: 

Straightway I took to flight, 

And cursed him left and right. 
Ah! but for him, I might have got acquainted 

With that sweet creature, 
Who bore attractions in every feature: 
A velvet skin he had, like yours and mine, 

A tail so long and fine, 
A sweet, meek countenance, a modest air — 

Yet what an eye was there ! 

I feel that, on the whole, 
He must have strong affinities of soul 
With our great race — our ears are shaped the same. 
I should have made my bow and asked his name, 

But at the fearful cry 
Roused by that monster, I was forced to fly." 



332 MODERN FABLES 



"My child," replied his mother, "you have seen 
That demure hypocrite we call a Cat: 

Under that sleek and inoffensive mien 
He bears a deadly hate of Mouse and Rat. 

The other whom you fear, is harmless quite; 

Nay, perhaps may serve us for a meal. 

As for your friend, for all his innocent air, 

We form the staple of his bill of fare." 

Take, while you live this warning as your guide- 
Don't judge by the outside. 



{La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. VI, No. 5. Translated by the Rev. Wm. Lucas Collins.) 

THE MULE WHO BOASTED OF HIS FAMILY 

A BISHOP'S Mule made boast of his high birth; 
Would talk forever of his mother's worth — 
"My mother, who was once my lady's mare." 

Much in her praise he told — 
"She could do this, — and she had travelled there." 
He almost thought that he deserved a place 

By virtue of his race, 
Among the great historic steeds of old, 

And took it somewhat ill 
That for a doctor's servant he was sold. 

Grown old and poor, he had to turn a mill; 
Then he remembered that, with all his pride, 
He was a Donkey on his father's side. 

(La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. VI, No. 7. Translated by the Rev. Wm. Lucas Collins.) 



FRENCH FABLES 333 



THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE 

THE Tortoise had the boldness to declare 
That for a Wager she would race the Hare. 
The Hare pronounced it madness. "To restore 
Your muddled wits," he said, "you ought to take 
Two grains of clarifying Hellebore, 
Gossip of mine." "Well, mad or not, I make 
The Bet." The Bet was made; terms fixed; the whole 
Amount agreed on placed beside the Goal. 
The Umpire or the nature of the Stake 
I know not: for the Distance — in four bounds 
Our Hare had cleared it when, escaped the grip 
Of panting Foes, he's given them all the slip 
And doubling, set at fault the sorry Hounds. 
Therefore to linger he was not afraid. 
A moment sleeping, biting now a blade, 

Round him a casual glance bestowing 
Or listening which way the wind is blowing, 
He leaves his Friend against old Time to race — 
Who shuffles on at Senatorial pace 
And, slowly hurrying, keeps the end in view. 
He deigns not yet the Plodder to pursue, 
Reflects what little glory is to get 
Winning of such a rival such a Bet, 
Considers it a point of honour due 
Not till the latest moment to engage her. 

Meanwhile he feeds, he dreams, 



334 MODERN FABLES 



Muses on anything except the wager. 

At last he sees she has almost 
Attained the Winning-post: 
Then like a flash across the grass he gleams. 

In vain ! His powers he has misreckoned 
And comes in Second. 
"The Stakes are mine, and who's fool now?" exclaimed 
The Tortoise bold, with victory inflamed. 

"My senses do I lack? 

Such as I am, you see I've won; 

How then would you have been outrun 
If you had had a house upon your back!" 

(La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. VI, No. 10. Translated by Paul Hookham.) 

THE SICK LION AND THE FOX 

THE Lion once gave orders to proclaim 
In the King's name, 

That lying sick within his Cave, 

Attacked by symptoms grave, 
He called upon his Subjects to evince 

Devotion to their suffering Prince: 
Each Species should despatch a Deputation 
By way of sympathy and consolation. 
Therein he gave his promise to respect 

The Envoys whom they should elect, 
On faith of King that could admit no doubt; 

And this was fairly written out, 

As Passport good 'gainst tooth and claw, 



FRENCH FABLES 335 



A legal instrument without a flaw. 

The Edict of the King was executed; 

From various Species Spokesmen were deputed. 
The Foxes all and some 
Staying religiously at home 

One of their Family explained the reason 
Of what might have an air of treason: 
"The footprints on the sand, "he said, 
"Of those who have their visits paid 

Towards the Cave present an obvious track, 

But nothing in the shape of coming back: 
This certainly seems rather queer 
And gives our Race some grounds for fear. 

Although the King perhaps would kindly use us, 

In this affair he really must excuse us. 

The Passport looks all right — but then — 
I see in fact 
With Certitude exact 
How people get within the Den ; 

But how a single soul gets out again 
Is not so plain." 

(La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. VI, No. 14. Translated by Paul Hookham.) 

THE ANIMALS SICK WITH THE PLAGUE 

ONE of those scourges which Heaven's righteous wrath 
Invented for the crimes of Earth — 
The Plague, if one must call 
The visitation by its hideous name — 



336 MODERN FABLES 



Down on the Animal world in fury came — 

Death day by day to some, sore pain to all. 
The love of life no more had power to move: 

Food lost its relish; Wolf nor Fox 

Prowled round the innocent flocks; 
The Turtle-dove 
Fled from its sickening mate; there was no love, 

And therefore no more joy. 
The Lion held council and spoke out: 

"My friends," said he, "this pest the Gods employ 
To punish our misdeeds, I make no doubt; 

Wherefore it seems to me 
'Twere fit the greatest sinner of us all 
Should sacrifice himself in expiation, 
So to avert Heaven's wrath, .and save the Nation. 
You that read history know that in such case, 
These acts of self-devotion find their place. 
Let each examine them, as truth compels, 

Without equivocation, 
The tale his several conscience tells, 

And so make revelation. 
As for myself I candidly confess 
To satisfy my greediness 

I have devoured Sheep not a few, 
Who never did me harm, — nay, now and then 

I ate the shepherd too. 
I will devote myself, I say again, 
If needful; but I think the rest are bound 
To make a clean confession first, all round. 



FRENCH FABLES 337 



Our earnest wish, I hope and trust, is 

The guiltiest should pay this debt of justice." 

"Sire," said the Fox, "you have too good a heart — 

Such scruples show it; 
But, as for eating Sheep — why, for my part, 

I see no sin in that — the stupid brutes! 

You do them too much honour, if they knew it, 

As for the shepherd, if your taste he suits, 
Why, I can safely say, by Nation's laws, 
He well deserves to reap the righteous fruits 
Of men's preposterous claim to hold dominion 
Over us free-born beasts. That's my opinion." 

So spoke the Fox; and flatterers hummed applause. 
It was not safe to probe too close the offences 

Of the great nobles there, 
Tiger or Bear, 
Against whose life there might have been complaints; 
All for their deeds found very fair pretences, 

Down to the very Dogs that chased a Hare, 
To hear them talk, they were four-footed saints. 
The Ass in turn advanced to make confession: 

"I mind me once," said he, 
When that the devil of hunger took possession 

Of poor unhappy me, 

I passed a grassy mead 
Belonging to some monks, and in my need 
(It was so tempting) I just took one bite — 
A mouthful — I confess it was not right." 
All with one voice cried out upon the thief. 



338 MODERN FABLES 



A Wolf, who had some smattering of law, 
Against the prisoner straight took up his brief: 

"A mangy, thick-skinned brute as e'er I saw! 

From him, my lords, no doubt, 
Has all this public misery come about: 

Rank felony! To eat another's grass!" 
Plainly, the righteous victim was the Ass: 
No expiation short of death! And straight 

The wretch went to his fate. 

As you have power or weakness at your back 
The Court whitewashes you, or brands you black. 

(La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. VII, No. 1. Translated by the Rev. Wm. Lucas Collins.) 

THE MILK- WOMAN AND HER PAIL 

WITH Milk-pail deftly cushioned on her head, 
High-kilted petticoat, shoes stout and strong, 
The good Perrette 
Fast towards the neighbouring town to market sped. 

Dreaming no ill, lightly she stepped along, 
Counted the price that she would surely get 
For that fine Pail of milk, and cast about 

How she should lay it out. 
First, she would buy a hundred eggs, from which 
Three broods at least would hatch; she should get rich, 

By care and pains, no doubt. 
"So very easy it will be," she thought, 
To raise the Chickens by my cottage door; 



FRENCH FABLES 339 



And Master Fox, he must be sharp indeed. 
If he don't leave enough of my fine breed 
To buy one Pig at least — it may be more. 
My Pig will soon get fat, at no expense — 
He must be pretty forward when he's bought — 
And if I sell him fairly, as I ought, 

My gain will be immense. 
Then what should hinder me from being able 

(Things are so cheap just now) 
To put a Cow and Calf into my stable? 
Then, when they join the village herd, 
How nice to see them skip, — my Calf and Cow!" 

And at the word, 
She gave three skips herself — the Milk-pail fell — 

And so at once farewell 
To Cow and Calf and Pig and Chickens that would sell ! 
The mistress of this visionary store 

Cast one sad glance around 

To where her ruined fortunes soaked the ground, 

Then turned and bore 

Her empty Pail back to her Husband's door; 

He would meet all excuses with a curse, 

And very probably with something worse. 
(La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. VII, No. 10. Translated by Rev. Wm. Lucas Collins.) 

THE COBBLER AND THE FINANCIER 

A COBBLER gaily sang from morn till night, 
He had a heart so light; " 
Bent o'er his work, he carolled through its stages, 



340 MODERN FABLES 



Happier than any of the Seven Sages. 
His neighbour, on the other hand, whose wealth 
Imposed on him eternal watchfulness, 
(This was a great Financier), lost his health, 

Sang little and slept less. 
At daybreak, if he fell into a doze, 
The Cobbler's piping brought it to a close; 
Until at last the poor Rich Man complained 

That Providential Care 
Had not made Sleep a saleable affair, 
Like meat or drink or aught by Money gained. 

He sent for him whose song 

Had worn him out so long: 
"Now tell me, Master Gregory," he cried, 
"What do you make a year?" "My faith," replied 

The Cobbler with a smile, 

"It is not, Sir, my style 
To count like that; I scarce can look ahead 
From week to week enough, if without fear 
Of actual want, I can get through the year: 

Each day provides me bread." 
"Well, well, what do you earn then by the day?" 
"Now more, now less; the mischief of it is 
(And decent would our gains be but for this) , 
There are so many days that we must lay 
Our work aside ; they ruin us with fetes, 
Saints' Days, that is: — and Master Parson prates 
Of some new Saint in every Sermon now." 
The Rich Man smiled at this simplicity. 



FRENCH FABLES 341 



He said: "The case is hard, I must allow; 
Take you these hundred Crowns, and carefully 
Keep them laid by against a time of dearth." 
This glorious sum to the poor soul appears 
The total treasure that the bounteous Earth 

Has in a hundred years 

Produced. The Man of Mirth 
Goes home, and in his cellar buries deep 
The Crowns, — and with them all his peace of mind. 
No singing now ; his one thought is to keep 
Securely that which troubles so Mankind. 

Instead of his light sleep, 

Dark fancies fill his breast, 
Fears, false alarms, the tortures of unrest. 
All day his eye is on the watch; all night 

His ear is on the strain; 

Suspicions rack his brain. 
To save himself from going mad outright, 
He runs to him his singing wakes no more: 
"Ah, Sir," he cries, "my sleep, my songs restore 

And take your Crowns again!" 

(La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. VIII, No. 2. Translated by Paul Hookham.) 

THE RAT AND THE ELEPHANT 



ONE day a Rat, the smallest of his race, 
Observed a mighty Elephant pass by 
With all his Equipage, at solemn pace. 
Upon the Creature's back, three stories high, 



342 MODERN FABLES 



A Sultan glorious, 

His Dog, his Cat, his Ape, 
His Parrot and his wife — in fact, his House 

Goes journeying along: 

While people stare and gape, 
The Rat was much astonished that a throng 
Should congregate this mass to gaze upon. 
"What! Does mere bulk," he says, "these fools impress? 
As if to occupy more space or less 
Were of true greatness the criterion! 
What marvel in this awkward giant lies? 
Are Children even frightened at his size? 
I count myself, though little I may be, 
Quite as important, morally, as he." 

Much more, equally sage, 
He would have said, but for a slight event. 

Just then the Sultan's Cat 

Sprang softly from her cage 
And showed him, by one little argument, 
The difference 'twixt an Elephant and Rat. 

{La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. VIII, No. 15. Translated by Paul Hookham.) 

THE MONKEY AND THE CAT 

AN ape and cat, in roguery and fun 
Sworn brothers twain, both owned a common master, 
Whatever mischief in the house was done, 

By Pug and Tom contrived was each disaster. 
The feat performed, in chimney-corner snug, 



FRENCH FABLES 343 



With face demure, sat cunning Tom and Pug. 

By Tom were mice and rats but rarely taken, 
A duck or chicken better met his wishes; 

More than the rats Tom gnawed the cheese and bacon; 
'Twas Pug's delight to break the china dishes, 

And on the choicest viands oft a guttler, 

Still made it seem the footman or the butler. 

One winter's day was seen this hopeful pair 
Close to the kitchen-fire, as usual, posted. 

Amongst the red-hot coals the cook with care 

Had plac'd some nice plump chestnuts to be roasted, 

From whence in smoke a pungent odour rose, 

Whose oily fragrance struck the monkey's nose. 

"Tom!" says sly Pug: "pray could not you and I 
Share this dessert the cook is pleased to cater? 

Had I such claws as your's, I'd quickly try : 
Lend me a hand — 'twill be a coup-de-maitrei" 

So said, he seized his colleague's ready paw, 

Pulled out the fruit, and crammed it in his jaw. 

Now came the shining priestess of the fane, 
And off in haste the two marauders scampered. 

Tom for his share of the plunder had the pain, 
Whilst Pug his palate with the dainties pampered. 

Pug had the prize; Tom gained at least the learning, 

That Pug loved nuts, and gave his friend the burning. 

(La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. IX, No. 16. Anonymous translation.) 



344 MODERN FABLES 



THE KITE AND THE NIGHTINGALE 

A VILLAIN Kite, whose Robber-life had spread 
His fame around, and still the mischief grew, 
Till all the neighbours heard his cry with dread, 

And village children hooted as he flew, 
Had seized at last a hapless Nightingale: 

The Herald of the Spring, with piteous wail, 
Begged hard for life. "Oh, gentle Robber, spare me ! 

I'm a poor meal for choice — 
A wretched bird with little else but voice! 
Don't tear me, 
But rather hear me. 
I'll sing of Tereus." — "Tereus? What was he? 
Something to make a dainty dish for me?" 
"Nay," said the bird, "he was a cruel king, 

Whose evil love was my undoing; 
List to the tuneful lay that I shall sing 

Of his unholy wooing. 
So sadly sweet, it charms each listening ear; 
You, too, will be delighted when you hear." 
"Truly," the Kite replied, "a likely thing! 

A charming proposition! 
I want a meal just now, not a musician!" 
"Yet kings have heard me gladly." — "When a king 
Has caught you," said the Kite, "then you can squall 
For his amusement. I'm a Kite, you see; 






FRENCH FABLES 345 



Your music is ridiculous to me; 

A hungry stomach has no ears at all." 

( La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. IX, No. 17. Translated by the Rev. Wm. Lucas Collins.) 

THE OLD MAN AND THE THREE YOUNG MEN 

THREE Youths beheld with wondering eyes 
A Man of Eighty planting Trees, 
"To build were well, but at your age," said these, 

"To plant is not so wise. 
What good, in Heaven's name, can you devise 
From such a task, unless indeed you live 
To years by Patriarchs of old attained? 

Why should your lees of life be strained 
To furnish fruits that never can be yours? 

Think only, you, of errors past; 
Leave the high-soaring Hope, the Project vast, 
To us the Young; of these the right is ours." 
"It is not yours," the Old Man said. "The wine 
Of Hope's precarious vintage mellows late, 
Lasts little; and the withered hand of Fate 
Juggles alike with Projects, yours and mine. 
Our hold on life is equal — 'tis so small: 
For which of us may be the last to call 
This general Light our own — the sunset hue 
Or daybreak's soft betrayal into blue? 
What single moment, as the moments speed 
Assures that another will succeed? 

Those who come after me will owe 



346 MODERN FABLES 



To me the shade of Trees that here shall grow. 

And must you then destroy 
My only joy in life, another's joy? 
That is a fruit which I can taste to-day 

To-morrow taste perhaps, 

Or e'en beyond the lapse 
Of years ; and I may see the dawnlight grey, 

And the first beam that braves 
The Earth's reluctant gloom, above your graves." 
The Old Man reasoned well. One of the Three 
Shipped to America, was lost at sea. 
The second, hardly luckier than the first, 

Inspired by thirst 
For glory, on the field of battle quaffed 

Instead Death's bitter draught, 
The third engaged in peaceful husbandry, 
And meeting thus the stroke of Destiny, 
Fell from a tree he was about to graft. 
The Greybeard mourned them. Vigorous yet and hale 
He on their Monument engraved this Tale. 

(La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. XI, No. 8. Translated by Paul Hookham.) 

THE CAT AND THE TWO SPARROWS 

A SPARROW and a Cat were bosom friends 
Contemporaneous as to age, 
Their infancy, — on which so much depends — 
They passed together; side by side were laid 



FRENCH FABLES 347 



The Basket and the Cage. 
The Sparrow often would provoke the Cat: 
The one employed his beak; the other played 

At fighting with his paws, 
Giving at most a half correcting pat, 

And taking care in that 
To sheathe the malice of his steely claws. 
The Sparrow, less restrained and circumspect, 

His playmate sharply pecked. 

Sir Cat, wise person and discreet, 
With much forbearance these attacks would meet: 
'Twixt Friends there's no occasion to give way 

To spitefulness or temper's sway. 
Used to each other from the dawn of life, 

Long habit served but to increase 

Between these two the bonds of peace; 
Mock battle never turned to real strife; 

When lo, there came upon the scene 
A Sparrow of the neighbourhood, who tried 

To make a third 
In this fraternity of Cat and Bird. 
A furious quarrel now arose between 
The feathered Rivals. "What!" Sir Raton cried, 
"This Upstart with my Comrade play the Turk? 
This stranger Sparrow come to eat up ours? 
Not so. Of him at least I'll make short work." 
With that, the rash intruder he devours. 
"Now, really," says the Cat, "I never guessed 



348 MODERN FABLES 



The flavour of this species was so nice!" 

Alas, to that peculiar zest 
The other Sparrow fell a sacrifice! 

(La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. XII, No. 2. Translated by Paul Hookham.) 

CUPID AND FOLLY 

DAN CUPID'S all a mystery— 
His Arrows, Quiver, Torch and Infancy; 
'Tis not the study of an hour 
Can trace the secrets of his power; 
Nor to unwind the tangle do I boast; 

My humble Muse can tell at most 
How the small God by chance unkind 
Came to be blind. 
Whether for men this proved a curse or blessing 
Is matter for a Lover's guessing. 

Love with Folly on a day 
Passed in sport the time away; 
He had not then in any wise 
Lost the use of his bright eyes, 
But a quarrel rose and Love 
Would have moved the courts above 
To settle it in legal fashion; 
But Folly in a fit of passion 
Dealt him a blow of such despite 
As plunged his pretty eyes in night. 
Venus raged to see the cruel 



'OF HIM, AT LEAST, I'LL MAKE SHORT WORK.' " 



— -PageS i7 



FRENCH FABLES 349 



Blotting of each shattered jewel. 
Wretched Mother ! Loud her cries 
Lament the loss of Cupid's eyes, 
Deafen all the Gods with this. 
Jupiter and Nemesis, 
Hell's dread Judges — every one — 
Hear the clamourous plaint; her Son 
Through jeering crowds his way would pick 
Nor go a step without a stick: 
Vengeance for this should not be spared; 
The damage too should he repaired. 
When all her tale the Gods had learned, 
They passed their sentence. Ne'er again 
Must Love and Folly part. The twain 
Must walk henceforth in Friendship's grove 
And Folly be the Guide of Love. 

{La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. XII, No. 14. Translated by Paul Hookham.) 

THE ELEPHANT AND THE APE OF JUPITER 

THE Elephant and Rhinoceros 
Once on a time contended 
For Sovereignty; they ended 
By staking everything, for gain or loss, 
On one decisive Combat in the lists. 
A day for this they fixed, when news was brought 
That some one had descried through cloudy mists 

The Ape of Jupiter 
Caduceus in hand, despatched, 'twas thought, 



350 MODERN FABLES 



With Powers Terrestrial to confer. 
This Ape, says history, bore the name of Gil. 
The Elephant immediately concluded 
That he was sent some mission to fulfil 
Relating to the Contest; thus deluded 
He waits on Gil, but finds him rather slow 

In broaching what he has to say. 
Sir Gil, however, in a formal way 

Before his Majesty bows low. 

His Majesty in expectation 
Regards in mute inquiry the Legation. 
But not a word. The interest he believed 
The Gods must take in Quarrels such as his 
Had no existence in the Sphere of Bliss; 
No news of the affair had been received. 

What matters it to Those on high 
Whether an Elephant or gilded Fly 
Battles? He must himself commence the theme. 

"My Cousin Jupiter," he says, 
"Will see in a few days 
A glorious Combat from his Throne supreme, 
And all his Court 

Enjoy Celestial sport." 
"What Combat?" says the Ape with knitted brow. 

"What Combat? How? 
Know you not that the biggest of the Brutes, 
Myself excepted, with myself disputes; 

That Elephantopolis 
Is going to war with great Rhinoceropolis, 



FRENCH FABLES 351 



Kingdoms, I think, not quite unknown to Fame." 

"Truly I never heard the name 
Of either place, that I can call to mind," 

Replies Sir Gil; "the fact is, 

In Heaven 'tis not our practise 
To pay much heed to matters of that kind." 

Abashed and mortified, 
The Elephant conceals his wounded pride. 
"What then," says he, "your presence here invites?" 

"I came," Gil answers, "to install 
Two Ants in their just rights 
As to a Blade of Grass they seek to share, 

Our Providence takes thought for all: 
No Earthly Power can shake its even hand, 

Its equal current stem ; 

And as to your affair, 
The Gods but weigh it as a grain of sand 
For small is great and great is small with Them." 

(La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. XII, No. 21. Translated by Paul Hookham.) 

MADAM SAGE AND MADAM TEA 

FAR out at sea 
A Cargo of dried Sage met Madam Tea, 
Sailing for France from China. "Ah, good day, 
And whither bound, fair foreigner, I pray?" 
"Europe, of course, my dear; I'm quite the rage 
With all its population, low or high : 






352 MODERN FABLES 



But pray, Madam Sage, 

Where are you bound."— "Oh, China!"— "Really!— why?" 
"I love the country — as I ought, indeed — 

They know my value there ; 
At home they treat me almost like a weed: 

Thank Heaven, the wind is fair — 
China's the place where merit makes its way; 

I'm going there — good day!" 

(Antoine Francois le Bailly, Fables Nouvelles. Translated by the Rev. Wm. Lucas 

Collins.) 

THE CLOCK AND THE SUN-DIAL 

A PERT young Clock began to shout 
(He was just set up) to the Dial below — 
"Well, what's the hour? I can't find out 

From you." The Dial said — "I don't know." 
"Then what's the use of your Dial-ship, pray, 
If you can't tell folks the time of day?" 
"I wait," said he, "for the Sun to shine; 
Knowledge of time is his, not mine." 
"Wait if you will," said the Clock, "but I 

Have nothing to do with the Sun; 
Just a turn of the hand, come once a week, 
Is all the help that I ever seek 
To keep me going — so perfectly 

My hands in their courses run. 
Hark! I'm going to strike — now listen to me — 

One — two — three — four! That's just the time." 



FRENCH FABLES 353 



And, as the Clock beat out his chime 
The Sun came forth in his brilliancy; 

The clouds and shadows dispersed apace, 

And the light shone full on the Dial's face, 
It marked the time — 'twas nearly five; 

"My child," said the Dial, "you want repair; 
You've always an answer ready to give, 

But those who trust you will badly fare; 
Take pattern from me, good youth; 
When I don't see clear, I say I don't know, 
I speak but little — you call me slow — 

But what I speak is truth." 

{Houdard de La Motte, Fables, Book III, No. 2. Translated by the Rev. Wm. Lucas 

Collins. ) 

HONOUR, FIRE AND WATER 

ONCE upon a time Honour, Fire and Water set out to travel in 
company. As it was to be an expedition of pleasure and dis- 
covery, they foresaw the possibility of their getting separated on the 
road, and made arrangement by which, in such case, they might be 
sure of meeting again. Fire explained, that although in general he 
was visible enough, yet sometimes he was concealed from view. 
"But even if you miss my light," he said, "whenever you see smoke 
you will be sure to find me." Water also instructed his friends as to 
certain marks by which his whereabout could be readily ascertained 
— where the herbage was greenest, and the evening mists rose in the 
air. It remained for Honour to give his companions some clew of 
the same kind. But he confessed, with a sigh, that the only charge 



354 MODERN FABLES 



he could give them was to keep him constantly in view, and never 
lose sight of him at all. "Watch me," he said, "with the eyes of 
Argus; for if once you lose me, you will never find me more." 

(From the French of Etienne Pavilion. Translated by the Rev. Wm. Lucas Collins.) 

THE SNAKE AND THE HEDGEHOG 

SOON as he felt the winter frosts begin, 
A Hedgehog begged a Snake to take him in : 
" 'Twill be a deed of charity," said he: — 
"I'm perishing with cold, as you may see; 

And then 
In this great hole how lonely you will be, 
All by yourself, till summer comes again! 

So take me under cover — 
I'm first-rate company,, as you'll discover." 

The Snake consented, 

And very soon repented. 
The Hedgehog proved a most unpleasant guest; 

Curled himself up into a horrid ball, 

Rolled here and there, with no regard at all 
For his poor hostess, who could get no rest, 

And even pricked her side 
With those sharp-pointed quills upon his hide. 

Vainly she made complaint: — 
It was the brute's amusement so to do; 

Such conduct would provoke a saint. 
At last she said: "Behave yourself, or go!" 
"Go!" said the brute, "Not I! I'm here at present, 



MODERN FABLES 355 

And here I'll stay: 
Go out yourself, if you find things unpleasant! " 

In a companion one may find a master. 

A solitary life is dull, you say ; 
Life with a Hedgehog is a worse disaster. 

(Henri Richer, Fables. Translated by the Rev. Wm. Lucas Collins.) 

THE ASS AND THE HORSE 

AN Ape, past master in the graphic arts, 
Had finished a great picture — something new; 
The Animals, invited from all parts 

Came to a private view. 
His work the artist to their taste submitted; 
It was a Horse — "Superb!" they all admitted, — 
"Nature," they said, "has found a rival here!" 
"Humph!" said the Ass — "to me that's not so clear. 
Our friend has done a clever thing, of course, 

But to my humble judgment it appears 
That to have perfect symmetry, that Horse 

Should have had longer ears." 

(Antoine Frangois le Bailly, Fables Nouvelles. Translated by the Rev. Wm. Lucas 

Collins.) 

THE APES AND THE LEOPARD 

A LITTLE band of gamesome Apes, one day, 
Met in the woods to play. 
The game was this: one had to hide his face 



356 MODERN FABLES 



Within a comrade's lap, while on his back 
He stretched his paw out for the rest to smack; 
Then he must guess who struck; and, in such case, 

Guessed wrong of course. 
Then they all grinned and screamed till they were hoarse. 
Attracted to the sound, 
A smart young Leopard sallied from his lair, 
And with a gracious air 
Bowed most politely round. 
All trembled at his presence. "Pray," said he, 
"Don't be alarmed; I'm a good-natured beast — 

Don't stop for me — 
I would not interrupt you in the least: 
Nay, I've come here to-day 
Quite in a friendly way, 
To join your sports myself; so pray go on, 

And I'll make one." 
"Oh, Monseigneur! Your Highness is too good! 
What! join in these rude sports with such as we?" 
"Well, 'tis my whim — just now I'm in the mood; 
Besides, my Highness takes a philosophic view 
As to the rights of animals — don't you? 
I go in for equality, you see; 
Come — let's begin." 

The Apes, delighted, listened fast enough 
(As fools will always listen to such stuff) 
And with a general grin, 
Took it all in. 
So the blindfolded Ape held out his paw; 



FRENCH FABLES 357 



The Leopard smote — beneath the princely claw 
Out sprang the blood. This time there was no doubt ; 

The poor Ape guessed who struck, 
But held his tongue, limped off and cursed his luck. 
His comrades feigned a laugh ; the prince laughed out. 

So, one by one, 
The Apes made their excuses and were gone, 
But muttered to themselves upon the way: 

"Such games with princes are not safe to play: 

Under the velvet paw, 
Smooth as it looks, there always lurks a claw." 

(Florian, Fables, Vol. HI, No. 1. Translated by the Rev. Wm. Lucas Collins.) 

THE RHINOCEROS AND THE DROMEDARY 

A STRONG young Rhinoceros said one day to a Dromedary, 
"Please explain, my dear brother, why it is that fate treats me 
and my kind so unfairly ! That creature called Man, whose strength 
all lies in his cleverness, seeks your companionship, houses you, cares 
for you, shares his own bread with you and thinks himself the richer 
so fast as your number increases. Of course I know that you lend 
your back to carry his burdens, his wife and children; I admit will- 
ingly that you are swift-footed, gentle, steady and indefatigable; — 
but the Rhinoceros is capable of the same virtues. I even think, if 
I may speak without offence, that the advantage is all on our side. 
Our horn and our thick skin would be of good service in battle. 
Nevertheless, Man hunts us down, despises us and hates us, forces 
us to flee from him." 

"My friend," replied the Dromedary, "do not be envious of our 



358 MODERN FABLES 



lot. It is easy enough to serve Man, the hard task is to please him. 
You wonder why he prefers us to you; but here is the secret of this 
preference: we Dromedaries have learned to bend the knee." 

(Florian, Fables, Vol. Ill, No. 4.) 

THE PEACOCK, THE GEESE AND THE DIVER 

HIS jewelled tail a Peacock was displaying; 
Admiring Birds their compliments were paying 

While from the neighbouring mere 
Two Geese turned up their noses with a sneer: 
They noted only his defects. Said one, 
"What hideous feet! What legs to stand upon!" 

"And then his voice!" 
Remarked the other. "Of the two, for choice, 
I think the Screech-Owl has the best of it!" 
And each laughed loudly at the other's wit. 
Up jumped a Diver: "Gentlemen," said he, 

"You have discerning eyes: 
Full three miles off that Bird's defects you see; 

But let me tell you this: — 
You have a voice and legs far worse than his, 

Without his brilliant dyes." 

(Florian, Fables, Vol. Ill, No. 16.) 

THE CONFIDENT PARROT 

"IT will be nothing" — so the thoughtless cry, 
1 What time the storm hangs threatening in the sky; 
"Why vex ourselves before the evil day?" 



FRENCH FABLES 359 



A stout Sea-Captain once, who knew no fears, 
But lacked the prudence that became his years, 

Resolved to put to sea: 
What though the wind was high, the skies were wild, 
Little recked he; 
Vain was the Pilot's warning; 
Still came the same reply, all danger scorning — 
"It will be nothing" — and the Captain smiled. 

A Parrot sat on board, 
And caught the refrain of the Captain's word; 
And all the while the good ship rushed ahead 
"It will be nothing," still the Parrot said. 
Long time by adverse winds the barque was tossed; 

The course was lost; 
At last they lay becalmed ; short store of bread, 
No land in sight, all hearts disquieted. 

The Captain spoke no word; 
"It will be nothing," still repeats the Bird. 
And day by day the measured food ran short, 

Till, as a last resort 
(The crew were starving and no help was nigh) , 

Even the sailors' pets, 

Macaws and Parroquets, 
To still their hunger, all were doomed to die. 
Sadly the Parrot sat and drooped his head; 
"It will be nothing," feebly still he said. 
Meanwhile his cage stood open on the deck — 
He might have saved himself if he had tried; 



360 MODERN FABLES 



At last they wrung his neck; 
"It — will — be — nothing!" he gasped and died. 

(Florian, Fables, Vol. HI, No. 19. Translated by the Rev. Wm. Lucas Collins.) 

THE CRITICAL PARROT 

AN old grey Parrot from his cage had flown, 
And fixed his quarters in a neighbouring wood; 
And there he sat, affecting quite the tone 
Of modern connoisseurs, as nearly as he could, 
And criticised with supercilious air 

Each bird that warbled there. 
Even the Nightingale's enchanting song 

He found too long: 
Besides her cadences were sometimes wrong. 
As for the Linnet, 
Her style was poor — there was no science in it, 

Besides her voice was waning. 
The Lark — well possibly, when she was young, 
Had she enjoyed the advantage of his training 
She might have sung. 
In short, no bird could please him: when they chaunted, 
He hissed so loud that they all stopped, quite daunted. 
Tired out with such affronts, the birds one day 
Approached him in a body. "Sir," said they, 
"You always hiss and mercilessly flout 

These poor attempts of ours ; 
You have a splendid voice yourself, no doubt; 
For our instruction, just for once display 



FRENCH FABLES 361 



Your own superior powers." 
The critic was embarrassed — scratched his head — 
And slowly said: 

"Ladies and gentlemen, the fact is this; 
I don't sing much, — but I know how to hiss.'* 

(Florian, Fables, Book IV, No. 3. Translated by the Rev. Win. Lucas Collins.) 

THE TWO BALD MEN 

ONE day two Bald Men simultaneously discovered a piece of 
ivory gleaming brightly in a dark corner. They both sprang 
forward to pick it up. A quarrel followed, beginning with words 
and ending with blows. The victor lost, as might well be expected, 
the few grey hairs that he still possessed. The coveted treasure 
which he got as the prize of his victory was — an ivory comb. 

(Florian, Fables, Vol. IV, No. 16.) 

THE FLYING-FISH 

A YOUNG Flying-fish, discontented with his lot, said one day to 
his aged grandmother: "I don't know what I am going to do 
to escape death. Every time that I rise into the air I dread the 
claws of the sea-eagles; and when I plunge into the depths of the 
sea, the sharks attack me." 

The older Fish replied: "My child, in this world if you are 
neither an eagle nor a shark you must quietly follow a narrow path, 
swimming high near the air, and flying low near the water." 

{Florian, Fables, Vol. V, No. 20.) 



362 MODERN FABLES 



THE SILKWORM 

TALKING among themselves one day, 
The Animals, each in their different way 
The Silkworm's skill were praising: 
"How wonderous fine 
She spins her thread! Such talent is divine! 
And then the price they fetch is quite amazing!" 
Only the Spider had some fault to find; 

She showed a critic's view, 
Putting in "Ifs" and "Buts" and not a few 
Remarks that seemed to them quite out of season. 
"Sirs," said the Fox, "you understand the reason? 
Madam spins too." 

(Florian, Fables, Vol. V, No. 12. Translated by the Rev. Wm. Lucas Collins.) 

THE CAT AND THE LOOKING-GLASS 

A CAT, perceiving a looking-glass on a lady's toilette-table, 
jumped up to examine it; but was struck with astonishment at 
perceiving, as he thought, one of his brethren, in a threatening atti- 
tude! Our Puss wishing to join company, finds himself stopped. 
Surprised, he concludes the glass to be transparent, and goes to the 
other side, finds nothing, returns, and again the intruder is before 
him. After a little reflection, lest the other should escape while he 
walks round the glass, he perches himself astride on the top, with one 
paw on either side, so that he can seize in any direction. Making 
sure of his prey, he inclines his head gently towards the glass, and 



FRENCH FABLES 363 



catches sight of an ear, then of two. Instantly darting his claws to 
the right and left, he loses his equilibrium, falls, and has caught 
nothing. Without waiting any longer to find out that which he can- 
not comprehend, he forsakes the looking-glass, saying: "What do 
I care about penetrating this mystery? I had better return to the 
kitchen, and catch a mouse for dinner." 

(Florian, Fables. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 

THE ELEPHANTS AND THEIR MASTERS 

WITHIN Golconda's rich domain, 
The royal elephants to train — 
To be their tutor, is a post 
All aim at, and are proud to boast. 
An alien once to this was named ; 
And deeply was the measure blamed, 
But still in murmured talk, for there 
The injured must in silence bear, 
Or right or wrong, the king's behest: 
Submission there is ever best. 
This stranger by the prince preferred, 
Was of the base jack-pudding herd, 
Who dance on ropes, or spin a sieve 
By sorcery, as the clowns believe. 
The juggler had from Europe brought 
A dog so singularly taught, 
So perfect in acquired lore, 
His like had ne'er been seen before. 
The prince, perceiving how the rogue, 



364 MODERN FABLES 



With skilful care had trained his dog, 
Judged he would better still succeed 
With creatures of a nobler breed; 
And now the elephantine band 
Are trusted to the juggler's hand, 
The sum of whose scholastic course 
Was beating, starving, fear and force. 
The whole he tried — but tried in vain ; 
A wretched end was all his gain. 
The elephants, a generous race, 
Scorn to submit to treatment base; 
The master storms — their fury boils; 
One round him his proboscis coils, 
Whirls him through air in direful heat, 
And tramples him beneath his feet. 
This done; the elephants avenged, 
From rage again to mildness changed. 

An Indian next the charge obtained, 
Whose kind respect their duty gained: 
For kind respect was all his art; 
And 'twas enough — it won the heart. 
The docile troop behind him trod, 
Obeyed his glance, and watched his nod. 
The prince from thence a lesson took; 
And, better than by many a book, 
Was taught the sole successful art 
Of governing a generous heart. 

(Nivernois, Fables. Cadell translation.) 



FRENCH FABLES 



365 



THE BIRDS OF PASSAGE 



THE vintage o'er, unnumber'd troops 
Cleaving the air in buoyant groups, 
Of birds of passage, richly fed 
Within our orchards, homeward sped. 
Accomplish'd now the tedious flight, 
They at their capital alight; 
Where every eye, with flouting gaze, 
The bold adventurers surveys. 
Acquaintance, kindred, sire, and son, 
Flickering and hopping, round them run : 
And soon the crowd, from rudely peering, 
With envious murmurs fall to sneering: — 

"How sleek," they cry, "our travellers grow ! 
What health and bloom their aspects shew; 
With stomachs thus so amply stor'd, 
They may a longer fast afford. 
Sure, when they took their flight in May, 
They were as lank as we today. 
This shews what sudden gain must rise 
From trips to man's more clement skies." 
The leader of the birds of flight 
Returns; "So far, my friends, you're right: 
Abroad, both grain and fruits abound, 
And plenteous refuse there is found: 
But to return unhurt, to shun 



366 MODERN FABLES 



The storm, the snare, the deadly gun — 
Here lies the hazard. Be so kind, 
My gentle friends, to call in mind, 
How many left this shore in May; 
Then count the number here today. 
By calculation thus alone 
The profits of the journey's known." 

(Nivernois, Fables. Cadell translation.) 

THE BUTTERFLY AND THE BEE 

ALL day long, from early morning, a Bee clung to a stalk of 
wild thyme, feasting on its nectar. A Butterfly, flitting from 
flower to flower and constantly changing her fickle mind and her 
pasturage, met the Bee on her homeward way in the evening. 

"Bless me!" said the Butterfly, "you are a faithful soul or else a 
very stupid one, to single out just one flower and devote the whole 
day to it, — all day long the same, same flower! Oh, my poor dear, 
when I saw you clinging to that wild thyme stalk from early morning 
until sun-down, I tell you frankly, I thought of nothing in the world 
but an Oyster sadly glued to a rock, without ever being able to change 
its home!" 

"You are perfectly right," replied the Bee, "and I like the com- 
parison, for it suits us Bees admirably. We have no desire to 
imitate the idle pleasures of you Butterflies. We are satisfied to be 
useful; and that is what Nature designed us for. Those Oysters, 
sadly bound to a rock, produce pearls, and we Bees, well, we make 
honey." 

(Nivernois, Fables, Vol. II, No. 7.) 



PART III 
SPANISH FABLES 



PART III 
SPANISH FABLES 

THE ASS AND THE FLUTE 

YOU must know that this ditty, 
This little romance, 
Be it dull, be it witty, 
Arose from mere chance. 

Near a certain enclosure, 

Not far from my manse, 
An Ass with composure 

Was browsing by chance. 

As he went along prying, 

With sober advance, 
A shepherd's Flute lying 

He found there by chance. 

Our amateur started, 

And eyed it askance, 
Drew nearer and snorted 

Upon it by chance. 

The breath of the brute, Sir, 

Drew music for once; 
It entered the Flute, Sir, 

And blew it by chance. 

369 



370 MODERN FABLES 



"Ah!" cried he in wonder, 

"How comes this to pass? 
Who will now dare to slander 

The skill of an Ass?" 

And Asses in plenty, 

I see at a glance 
Will, one time in twenty, 

Succeed by mere chance. 

(Iriarte, Literary Fables. Translated by T. Roscoe.) 

THE BEAR AND THE MONKEY 

A BEAR, with whom a Piedmontese 
Joined company, to earn their bread, 
Essayed on half his legs to please 
The public, where his master led. 

With looks that boldly claimed applause, 
He asked the Ape, "Sir, what think you?" 

The Ape was skilled in dancing-laws 
And answered, "It will never do!" 

"You judge the matter wrong, my friend," 
Bruin rejoined, "You are not civil! 

Were these legs given for you to mend 

The ease and grace with which they swivel?' 



SPANISH FABLES 371 



It chanced a pig was standing by: 

"Bravo! astonishing! encore!" 
Exclaimed the critic of the sty, 

"Such dancing we shall see no more!" 

Poor Bruin, when he heard the sentence, 

Began an inward calculation; 
Then, with a face that spoke repentance, 

Expressed aloud his meditation: — 

"When the sly Monkey called me dunce, 

I entertained some slight misgiving; 
But, Pig, thy praise has proved at once 

That dancing will not earn my living!" 

Let every candidate for fame 

Rely upon this wholesome rule: — 
Your work is bad, if wise men blame, 

But worse, if lauded by a fool. 

(Iriarte, Literary Fables. Translated by T. Roscoe.) 

THE CATHEDRAL BELL AND THE HERMITAGE BELL 

WITHIN an old Cathedral hung 
A mighty Bell, 
Which never, save at Easter, swung 

One solemn knell; 
And then so sternly all around 
Its echoes fell, 



372 MODERN FABLES 



The peasants trembled at the sound 
Of that big Bell. 

Not far from the Cathedral stood 

A Hermit's Cell, 
And in its belfrey-tower of wood 

A little Bell; 
Whose daily tinkling through the year 

So faintly fell, 
The peasants hardly gave an ear 

To that small Bell. 

The Hermit — he who owned the same, 

And loved it well, 
Resolved that it should share the fame 

Of the big Bell; 
So tolling it but once a year, 

With one brief knell 
He taught the peasants to revere 

His little Bell. 

And there are fools in vast repute 

Who, strange to tell, 
Acquire their fame by being mute 

Like that small Bell; 
These would-be sages rarely speak, 

For they know well 
That frequent utterance would break 

The solemn spell. 

(Iriarte, Literary Fables. Translated from the Spanish for Blackwood's Magazine.) 






SPANISH FABLES 373 



THE IVY AND THE THYME 

I'VE sometime read, I know not where, — 
For mem'ry's treacherous, all declare! — 

With many a joke in doggerel rhyme, 
The Ivy mocked the lowly Thyme, 
Because he seldom reared his head, 
But grew ignobly near a shed: 
"Friend," said the Vine, "how comes it so? 
Your thoughts are so debased and low? 
For though your humble form can boast 
The odours of Arabia's coast, 
Of all the plants that grow around, 
You are the nearest to the ground." — 
"Friend," said the Thyme, "to gain the skies 
I never wish like you to rise. 
I lead an independent life, 

Remote from care, unknown to strife, 

Nor from another's aid profess 

To owe the comforts I possess — 

But, Oh ! how changed your lot to mine 

Should what you rest on e'er decline; 

If yonder rude majestic Oak 

Should fall beneath the woodman's stroke, 

Or that vast tower to which you trust 

Be crumbled into native dust, 



374 MODERN FABLES 



Their ruin will involve your doom, 
And I'll be left to shade your tomb." 

(Iriarte, Literary Fables. Adapted from the translation by John Balfour.) 

THE SWORD AND THE SPIT 

A SWORD, in famed Toledo wrought, 
That, tempered well, had nobly fought 
In many a broil, and chieftains slain, 
In various skirmishes in Spain ; 
From sire to son that long had passed, 
Was doomed to feel disgrace at last! 
Condemned, its owner in a jail, 
To be exposed to public sale ! 
Thus, though oft drawn, by fate's command, 
By many a firm and doughty hand, 
It passed, by purchase in a lot, 
To one its worth who valued not, 
An honest quaker, mild of mien, 
With whom it dwelt for months, unseen. 

But, lo! it chanced one winter's night, 
Anxious his kindred to delight, 
Some game he ordered to be dressed, 
And, as his spouse no spit possessed, 
She, without any more ado, 
Ran with the sword the lev'ret through, 
And by a casual stroke of wit 
The sword converted to a spit. 

Now while this transmutation passed, 
A new-made lord required in haste 



SPANISH FABLES 375 



A sword to dangle by his side, 
And shew at once his rank and pride. 
The wily cutler, who well knew 
'Twas meant alone to strike the view, 
And that if fine the hilt were made, 
The peer would little heed the blade, 
Begged a few days in toil to spend, 
And he would home the weapon send. — 

Meanwhile he searched his kitchen round, 
And soon a spit neglected found, 
That straight he polished, filed, and gilt, 
And on it placed a splendid hilt, 
And this, well-sheathed, he sent my lord, 
And swore that, on a trader's word, 
In all Toledo's city he 
A finer sword would never see! 
So well he spoke, that in a trice 
The silly peer paid down the price, 
Which rendered one as vile a cheat, 
As was the other's folly great. 

'Tis thus translators, servile wits, 
Turn spits to swords, and swords to spits. 

(Iriarte, Literary Fables. Translated by John Balfour.) 

THE GOOSE AND THE GOLDFINCH 



A GOOSE, with other poultry fed, 
Inhabiting a farm-yard shed; 
So vile a bird was never seen, 
Her nest was litter'd and unclean: 






376 MODERN FABLES 



If she had eggs, 'twould sure befall 
She'd overlay and smash them all: 
Or, if she ever hatched a brood, 
She let them die for want of food : 
Besides all this, from morn till night 
She ate with monstrous appetite, 
And yet, for all her stuffing in, 
She still was naught but bone and skin: 
To sell her for the smallest gain, 
The farmer having tried in vain — 
For none to buy a bird was willing, 
That was not even worth the killing — 
He turned her out, one dreary night, 
To seek her fortune as she might. 

The Goose, ere long, began to feel 
The want of her accustom'd meal, 
When, as she wander'd on, she heard 
The voice of a melodious bird, 
Who, with some others, sang a lay 
In honour of the dawning day. 
"Ha," mused the Goose, '"the thought will d( 
Why should not I turn singer too? 
No doubt my voice is sweet enough, 
And art and science are all stuff!" 
Waddling to where the songster stood, 
She'd sing all day, she said, for food; 
Spoke of her lovely voice, and then 
Gave a long hiss, as specimen. 
A sober Goldfinch was at hand, 



SPANISH FABLES 377 



Who on that day had led the band : 
"Fool that thou art," he said, "to think 
Upon such terms to eat and drink. 
What ! — thou — a Goose in ev'rything — 
Dare to presume with us to sing, 
Why there's no art, be what it will, 
Demands such genius and skill. 
Leave us to sing alone, I pray, 
And seek thy food some other way." 

(Iriarte, Literary Fables. Translated by John Balfour.) 



THE ANT AND THE FLEA 

THE Ant once showed the Flea, her neighbour, 
The results of all her toil and labour; 
The whole construction of her dwelling, 
Explaining every part and telling 
The uses of each separate story; 
The granary — the dormitory — 
Showed how a task which numbers share 
Made easy heaviest loads to bear. 

The Flea, to all this information, 
Vouchsafed no other observation 
Than sentences like these: — "Ha — so — 
I understand — of course — I know — 
I see — 'tis clear — quite obvious that — 
I don't see much to wonder at." 

"Then," said the Ant, "I wish you'd come 
With me, my friend, and in our home, 



378 MODERN FABLES 



For our advantage, let us see 
A proof of your proficiency. 
You speak in such a master-tone, 
'Twill be no sooner said than done." 

The Flea with impudence unshamed, 
Cut a light caper and exclaim'd, 
"Surely you do not mean to doubt 
My skill to work such trifles out; 
'Tis but t' apply one's-self — but stay — 
I am busy now — another day." 

(Iriarte, Literary Fables. Adapted from translation by John Balfour.) 

THE MOUSE AND THE CAT 

A MOUSE one evening, as it stole 
In quest of plunder from its hole, 
Exclaimed aloud (for Mice could speak 
Of yore, though now they only squeak), 
"What virtue is more lovely than 
Fidelity in brute or man? 
The Dog, who guards his master's store, 
And drives the robber from the door, 
Deserves the praise of every Mouse 
That has an interest in the house!" 



A Cat replied, "Thy praise should be 

Bestowed as readily on me ; 

For, like the Dog, and with a zeal 



SPANISH FABLES 379 



As watchful for my master's weal, 

Throughout the night I keep aloof 

A host of robbers from his roof, 

And guard from thee and thine the hoard 

Of dainties that should crown his board." 

On this the Mouse withdrew again 
Into its hole, and answered then: 
"Henceforth, since thou art faithful, Mice 
Shall call fidelity a vice." 

Tis ever thus, for we commend 
The smallest virtues in a friend; 
While in a foe we should abhor it 
And even damn the fellow for it. 

(Iriarte, Literary Fables. Translated for Blackwood's Magazine.) 

THE SWAN AND THE LINNET 

AS once a Linnet on a tree 
Was piping like a lover's lute, 
A Swan exclaimed, "All birds should be, 
When I am nigh, entranced and mute; 
For none can hope to vie with me, 
A vocalist of such repute ! 

"It heeds me not, but warbles still — 
Was ever songster half so vain? 



380 MODERN FABLES 



The creature, with its tiresome trill, 
May thank its stars that I disdain 

To open my melodious bill, 

And pour an overpowering strain! 

"For if, as poets truly tell, 

My very death-notes are divine, 

My voice, of course, when I am well, 
Is still more exquisitely fine, 

And I could readily excel 

That simple song by one of mine." 

"I grant thy fame in former years," 
The Linnet answered, "but as thou 

Art never heard by modern ears, 
Thy song is deemed a fiction now, 

And, like the music of the spheres, 
A tale which moderns disallow. 

"But give me, sweet one, I beseech, 
A sample of that olden lay." 

The Swan, too flattered by that speech, 
To answer with a churlish nay, 

Began to sing — but gave a screech ; 
The Linnet laughed and flew away. 

Thus many a coxcomb with a name 
For talents which he ne'er possessed, 



SPANISH FABLES 381 



On turning author, finds his fame 

Unequal to the trying test, 
And like the Swan, exposed to shame, 

Becomes a byword and a jest. 

(Iriarte, Literary Fables. Translated for Blackwood's Magazine.) 

THE SILKWORM AND THE SPIDER 

ONE day, as a Silkworm slowly spun 
Its delicate threads in the noon-tide sun, 
A Spider cried, from its darksome nook: 
"Look at my web, sweet sister, look! 
I began it at dawn, 'tis hardly noon, 
And yet my task will be ended soon ; 
For while thou spinnest thy life away, 
I weave a web in a single day. 
Examine it well, each airy line 
Is as fine and fair as the best of thine." 
"True," said the Silkworm, with a smile, 
"But will they endure for half the while?" 

(Iriarte, Literary Fables. Translated for Blackwood's Magazine.) 

THE TWO RABBITS 

WITH a ravenous pack of Dogs at his back, 
A Rabbit fled— or flew; 
For his course was as fleet as if his four feet 
Were winged, like Mercury's two. 



382 MODERN FABLES 



Away, away, in wild dismay, 

He flew with all his might; 
And his joy was vast, when he reached at last 

A warren in his flight. 

But ere he stole into his hole, 

Secure from further fear, 
A comrade, who spied the trembler, cried, 

"What is amiss, my dear?" 

"What is amiss? Why, simply this," 

He answered with panting breath, 
"Those Greyhounds, — see? — have been chasing me, 

Till I'm nearly run to death." 

"Where, where? — But hark! I hear the bark 

Of dogs upon your track; 
But in faith you err, for there's not, good sir, 

A Greyhound in the pack." 

"Not a Greyhound?"— "No, for really, though 

The difference is but small, 
I see them now, and the Dogs, I vow, 

Are Beagles, one and all." 

"What ! Beagles? Pshaw ! the Dogs that I saw 
Were Greyhounds, I'll be bail; 



SPANISH FABLES 383 



I am not blind, I know what kind 
Of Dogs were at my tail." 

"Why, but for your fright, no doubt you might 

Have known with half an eye." 
"I tell you, zounds, that they're all Greyhounds, 

As much as you or I." 

While words ran high, the Dogs came nigh 

And nigher in pursuit, 
Till unaware, they fell on the pair, 

And settled the dispute. 

Some authors discuss a question thus, 

And like this foolish pair, 
Expose their life in wordy strife 

On trifles light as air. 

(Iriarte, Literary Fables. Translated for Blackwood's Magazine.) 

THE FROG AND THE FROGLING 

FROM their dwelling in a bog, 
Cried a Frogling to a Frog: 
"Mother, see on yonder banks, 
How the canes, in even ranks, 
Lift their leafy heads on high, 
Till they seem to touch the sky. 
Tell me, have you ever seen 



. \ 



384 MODERN FABLES 



Any trees so tall and green — 

Any that in stalk or stem 

Would deserve to vie with them?" 

But the words had hardly passed, 
When an unexpected blast 
Rushed and with a mighty blow 
Struck the grove and laid it low. 

Then, retorting from the bog, 
To the Frogling said the Frog : 
"Look, my child — a child may gain 
Wisdom even from a cane — 
Look and learn no more to prize 
Objects for their gloss and size. 
For each trunk that seemed to thee 
Massive as a forest tree 
Is as empty, frail and thin 
As the vilest weed, within." 

{hiarte, Literary Fables. Translated for Blackwood's Magazine.) 

THE OWL 

AN Owl one morn — but sooth to say, 
I am not telling it aright; 
For Owls are birds that love to stay 
Within their secret homes by day, 
And only fly by night, — 






SPANISH FABLES 



385 



An Owl one night profanely flew 

Into a church and chanced to see 
A lamp or lantern — but the two 
Are much alike, and one will do, 
Whichever it might be. 

And yet, methinks, anent the pair, 

It was, if I remember well, 
A lamp : but whether round or square, 
Or made of glass or earthenware, 

Is more than I can tell. 

But there it hung, in pious proof 

Of Catholicity, before 
The Virgin's shrine — a thing aloof, 
Just ninety feet below the roof 

And nine above the floor. 

The Owl, who felt at such a sight 

His appetite for oil arise, 
Swooped boldly towards it, but the light, 
Alack! was too intensely bright, 

And scorched his lidless eyes. 

So, reeling backwards in despair, 
He muttered, as he left the shrine, 

"Oh, but for this terrific glare, 

How gloriously would I fare 
Upon that oil of thine! . 






386 MODERN FABLES 



"But trust me, Lamp, though now I flee, 

If ever I shall chance to find 
Thy flame extinct — with fearless glee 
I'll glut my thirsty beak in thee, 

Nor leave a drop behind." 

(Iriarte, Literary Fables. Translated for Blackwood's Magazine.) 

THE GOAT AND THE HORSE 

A GOAT with feet that danced and head that swayed 
In modulated measure to the sound 
Of a sweet violin, which, deftly played, 

Awoke the blandest echoes all around, 
Had listened long, when, with an air of pride 
He thus addressed a Horse which stood beside : 

"These chords which speak so well, my humble friend, 
Were borrowed from the bowels of a Goat; 

And even I, when life is at an end, 
May still survive to be a thing of note ; 

For then some artist of harmonic skill 

Shall twist my tripe into as sweet a trill." 

The Horse, as if in laughter, neighed aloud, 

And answered thus: "Poor wretch! of what avail 

Would be the simple chords which make thee proud, 
Unless I had supplied them, from my tail, 

With many a hair to form the fiddle-bow, 

Whose movements make the hidden music flow? 



-^ A, 



SPANISH FABLES 387 



"And though the loss may pain me, I'm content; 

For, after all, it gladdens me to see, 
While I am still alive, the instrument 

Indebted for its harmony to me. 
But say, what pleasure can its accents give 

To solace thee, when thou hast ceased to live?" 

(Iriarte, Literary Fables. Translated for Blackwood's Magazine.) 

THE DUCK AND THE SERPENT 

ONE day as a conceited Duck was waddling away from her pond, 
she quacked forth loudly: "What other race of creatures can 
boast so many gifts as we Ducks? Earth, air and water, all three are 
ours. When I tire of walking, I can fly if it suits me; or if I prefer 
I can swim." 

A wily Serpent overheard the boasting speech of the clumsy bird, 
and full of contempt, glided up, exclaiming with a scornful hiss: "I 
think, Mrs. Duck, there is small reason for what you have just said. 
These boasted gifts of yours make a pretty poor showing, since you 
cannot swim like a trout, or run lightly and swiftly like a deer, or 
follow the eagle in his flight." 

It is a mistake to think that there is merit in a little knowledge of 
many things. Aim to do well what you can do, if you want to stand 
high among your fellows. 

(Iriarte, Literary Fables.) 



388 MODERN FABLES 



THE JEWELLER AND THE LACE-MAKER 

IN cottage neat, of lowly race, 
Lived one who fabricated lace, 
And near her, miserly and old, 
A tradesman dwelt who worked in gold. 
"Dame," quoth the jeweller one day, 
'"Tis strange to me that folks should pay 
Such prices for thy lace per ell, 
Whilst I so ill my fringes sell, 
Though, by the village train, 'tis said, 
Gold is more precious deemed than thread." 

To whom the dame, "My friend, you'll find 
To different views are men inclined; 
Some in those articles delight, 
Which taste and elegance unite, 
While others, fond of pomp and show, 
On finery their thoughts bestow; 
Now if the lovely fair incline 
My works to value more than thine, 
Though I acknowledge it is said, 
Gold is more precious deemed than thread, 
From this the preference may arise, 
Some neatness more than splendour prize, 
And hence, my laces more admire, 
Than all thy gold and silver wire." 

(Iriarte, Literary Fables. Translated by lohn Balfour.) 



SPANISH FABLES 389 



THE FROG AND THE HEN 

A FROG, splashing in his native pond, was one day much annoyed 
by the cackling from a neighbouring hen-roost. So he hopped 
out of the water, and making his way straight to the nest of the worthy 
Hen, addressed her as follows: 

"Good morning, Madam Hen, so it is you, is it, that's making all 
this noise? Then let me tell you that I think it very hard that 
fate has afflicted me with such a noisy neighbour. Pray tell me what 
all this chatter is about?" 

"I have just laid an egg," replied the Hen, "and I wanted every- 
body to know about it." 

"Only an egg!" sneered the Frog, "really is that all? Small rea- 
son, I must say, for so much fuss and boasting!" 

"Only an egg, indeed! My good sir, what business have you to 
complain about my cackling when I have patiently borne in silence 
your everlasting croaking? If I publish abroad what I do it is be- 
cause I know that I am useful. But you Frogs are worthless, idle, 
puffed-up breed who might far better hold your tongues!" 

{Iriarte, Literary Fables.) 

THE TWO THRUSHES 

A SAGE old Thrush was once discipling 
His grandson Thrush, a hair-brain'd stripling, 
In the purveying art. He knew, 
He said, where vines in plenty grew, 
Whose fruit delicious when he'd come 



390 MODERN FABLES 



He might attack ad libitum. 

"Ha!" said the young one, "where's this vine — 
Let's see this fruit you think so fine." 
"Come then, my child, your fortune's great, you 
Can't conceive what feasts await you!" 
He said, and gliding through the air 
They reached a vine, and halted there. 

Soon as the grapes the youngster spied, 
"Is this the fruit you praise?" he cried: 
"Why, an old bird, Sir, as you are, 
Should judge, I think, more wisely far 
Than to admire, or hold as good, 
Such half-grown, small, and worthless food. 
Come, see a fruit which I possess 
In yonder garden ; you'll confess, 
When you behold it, that it is 
Bigger and better far than this." 
"I'll go," he said; "but ere I see 
This fruit of yours, whate'er it be, 
I'm sure it is not worth a stone, 
Or grape-skin from my vines alone." 

They reached the spot the Thrushlet named, 
And he triumphantly exclaimed — 
"Show me the fruit to equal mine! 
A size so great — a shape so fine ; 
What luxury, however rare, — 
Can e'en your grapes with this compare?" 
The old bird stared, as well he might, 
For lo ! a pumpkin met his sight ! 



SPANISH FABLES 391 



Now that a thrush should take this fancy, 
Without much marvelling I can see; — 
But it is truly monstrous, when 
Men, who are held as learned men, 
All hooks, whate'er they be, despise, 
Unless of largest bulk and size. 
A book is great, if good at all, — 
If bad — it cannot be too small. 

(Iriarte, Literary Fables. Translated by John Balfour.) 

THE SCRUPULOUS CATS 

TWO Cats, old Tortoise-back and Kate, 
Once from a spit a capon ate. 
It was a giddy thing, be sure, 
And one they could not hide nor cure. 

They licked themselves, however, clean, 
And then sat down behind a screen, 
And talked it over. Quite precise, 
They took each other's best advice. 

Whether to eat the spit, or no? 

"And did they eat it?" "Sir, I trow, 

They did not! They were honest things, 

Who had a conscience and knew how it stings !" 

(Felix Maria de Samaniego. From Spanish Literature, by George Ticnor.) 



392 MODERN FABLES 



THE CATERPILLAR AND THE BUTTERFLY 

GOOD-MORROW, friend," so spoke, upon a day 
A Caterpillar to a Butterfly. 
The winged creature looked another way, 

And made this proud reply: 

"No friend of worms am I." 
The insulted Caterpillar heard 

"And what were thou, I pray, 

Ere God bestowed on thee that brave array? 
And answered thus the insulting word: 
Why treat the Caterpillar tribe with scorn? 
Art thou then nobly born? 

What art thou, Madam, at the best? 

A Caterpillar elegantly dressed." 

{By Jose Rosas Moreno. Translated by William Cullen Bryant.) 

THE SPIDER'S WEB 

A DEXTROUS Spider chose 
The delicate blossom of a garden rose 
Whereon to plant and bind 
The net he framed to take the insect kind. 

And when his task was done, 

Proud of the cunning lines his art had spun, 

He said, "I take my stand 

Close by my work, and watch what I have planned. 



SPANISH FABLES 393 



"And now, if heaven should bless 
My labors with but moderate success, 
No fly shall pass this way, 
Nor gnat, but they shall fall an easy prey." 

He spoke, when from the sky 

A strong wind swooped, and whirling, hurried by, 

And far before the blast 

Rose, leaf and web and plans and hopes were cast. 

(Jose Rosas Moreno.) 

THE EAGLE AND THE SERPENT 

A SERPENT watched an Eagle gain 
On soaring wings, a mountain height, 
And envied him, and crawled in pain 
To where he saw the bird alight. 

So fickle fortune oftentimes 

Befriends the cunning and the base, 

And many a grovelling reptile climbs 
Up to the Eagle's lofty place. 

(Jose Rosas Moreno.) 

THE THREE COMPANIONS 

AN Ermine, a Beaver and a Wild Boar made up their minds to 
seek a better country, and set out on the search for some forests, 
lakes and woods, which had still preserved the beauty of their prime- 



394 MODERN FABLES 



val purity. After a wearisome journey through deserts and over 
rocks and mountains, their eyes discovered in the distance a glorious 
landscape, with a profusion of woods, lakes, gardens and ripe fruit. 
The travellers were delighted at the sight, and did not at first notice 
that in order to arrive at their new-found Paradise it would be neces- 
sary for them to pass through a wide expanse of stagnant water, 
full of slime and snakes. The Ermine was the first to attempt a 
passage. Going delicately on the tips of his toes he made a few steps 
forward, but soon drew back, saying, with assumed indifference, "The 
country is certainly rich and beautiful, but it will not suit me. I 
would rather lose it all than soil the delicacy of my beautiful coat." 
The Beaver said, "Have a little patience, brothers ; we live in scientific 
times you, know, and I am a first-rate architect. In two months I 
will guarantee to build you a bridge over which you may pass to our 
future home without fear of mud or snakes." "Two months, slow- 
coach," said the Boar, "why, we may all be dead before that: you 
are much too slow for me." And so saying, he plunged into the 
slime. Splash, dash, he had reached the opposite side, in spite of 
the mud and reptiles. And while shaking off the mud, he said to his 
ignorant companions, "Paradise is not made for cowards or coxcombs, 
but for the strong." We may all profit by this lesson. 

(From Spanish Fables by Fernandez Cayetano. Translated by Margaret R. Cress- 
well.) 







'SPLASH, DASH. HE HAD REACHED THE OPPOSITE SIDE." 



— Page 894 



PART IV 
RUSSIAN FABLES 



PART IV 
RUSSIAN FABLES 

THE LEAVES AND THE ROOTS 

ON a beautiful summer day the Leaves of a tree whispered softly 
to the breezes; and as the shadows fell across the valley this 
was what they were saying, boasting of their luxuriant abundance: 

"Is it not a fact that we are the pride of the whole valley? Is 
it not due to us that this tree is so vigorous and wide-spreading, so 
stately and majestic? What would it be without us? Yes, indeed, 
we may well praise ourselves without vanity! Do we not, by our 
cool shade, protect the shepherd and the traveller from the noonday 
heat? Do we not, by our beauty, attract the shepherdess to come and 
dance here? And from among us, both morning and evening, the 
nightingale sings; while as for you, gentle breezes, you hardly ever 
desert us." 

"You might spare just a word of thanks to us," interrupted a faint 
voice from under ground. 

"Who is it that has the audacity to call us to account? Who are 
you who are talking down there beneath the grass?" the leaves re- 
torted pertly, tossing disdainfully on the tree. 

"We are they," came the reply from far down below, "who burrow 
here in the darkness to provide you with food. Is it possible that you 
do not know us? We are the Roots of the tree on which you flourish. 
Go on rejoicing in your beauty ! But remember there is this differ- 

397 



398 



MODERN FABLES 



ence between us that with every autumn the old Leaves die, and with 
every spring new Leaves are born ; but if the Roots once perish neither 
you nor the tree can live at all." 

(Krilov, Fables. Adapted from translation by William R. S. Ralston.) 



THE SHEEP'S PETITION 

THE Sheep before the Lion came, and prayed 
Protection from the Wolves, that havoc made 
Among the flocks. Compassion moved his breast : 
Thrice having roared, he thus his will expressed: — 
"We Leo, King, and so forth, — having found 
The sore indictment by the Sheep profound 
Against the Wolves, and touched with sympathy 
For their most sad condition, thus decree: 
If any Wolf shall any Sheep offend, 
Said Sheep with leave said Wolf to apprehend, 
And carry him before the nearest Bear 
In the Commission of the Peace — and then 
Such order as the matter may invite 
Be duly made — and Heaven defend the right !" 

So 'twas decreed. 'Tis a most curious fact, 
No Sheep hath yet enforced the Act: 
'Tis probable they are no more attacked: 
The Wolves now graze, it is to be inferred 
(How this agrees with them I have not heard) . 

If rogues defraud, or men in power oppress — 
Go to law instantly and get redress. 

(Krilov, Fables. Translated from the Russian for Fraser's Magazine.) 



RUSSIAN FABLES 399 



THE CASK 

NEIGHBOUR, a favor I would ask 
— Tis no great thing — 'tis but a Cask 
An empty Cask's not much to lend 
Just to accommodate a friend. 
When one money wants to borrow, 
Then 'tis as well to cry 'To-morrow — 
Not just now — I can't indeed — 
No cash have I but what I need.' 
For he that lends away his purse 
May find it to return averse." 
The Cask was lent — the Cask came back 
Quite sound — at least, without a crack ; 
But then of oil't had such a snack ! 
So strong a scent that it quite spoiled 
Whatever was poured in. 'Twas boiled, 
Was scalded, aired; yet still the taint 
Remained matter of complaint. 
To cure it was a fruitless task, 
And so they burned the infected Cask. 

Parents ! The lesson of my fable 

For you is specially intended. 

Deem not defects may be evaded 
Imbibed in youth ; since naught is able, 
When once the evil's taken place, 
Early impressions to efface, 



400 MODERN FABLES 



Do what we may, they still prevail 
And to correct them all our efforts fail. 

{Krilov, Fables. Translated from the Russian for Eraser's Magazine.) 

THE TWO FLIES AND THE BEE 

TWO Flies, determining to change 
Their country, and abroad to range, 
In order novel sights to see, 
Explained their project to a Bee. 

To her they stated 
Their friend, Sir Parrot, had related 
Of foreign parts such wondrous things, 
They were resolved to use their wings. 
There surely was no great temptation 
Longer to stay in this dull nation, 
Where everything was cold and dingy, 
And folks grew every day more stingy! 
"They grudge us e'en the smallest sup; 
From us poor Flies they cover up 
Both meat and drink; and fence, alas! 
Their fruits of every kind with glass. 
So are we treated by the wealthy, 

And 'mongst the poor fare scarcely better, 
Since Spiders there, our foes so stealthy, 

Weave treacherous webs, our wings to fetter." 

"Well, friends," the home-spun Bee replied, 
" 'Tis not for me your scheme to chide, 



RUSSIAN FABLES 401 



If you on travelling are bent. 

For my part, I am quite content 

Here to remain. Folks praise my Honey; 

And though it is not always sunny 

In this our clime, here is our hive; 

And we to earn our food contrive — 

Nay, all considered, really thrive. 

We have our labours to attend to, 

And know that those we ought to bend to ; 

While folk like you go where you list 

And certainly will not be missed. 

It matters not where you're abiders, — 

None profit by you, save the Spiders." 

(Krilov, Fables. Translated from the Russian for Fraser's Magazine.) 

THE RAIN CLOUD 

A LARGE Cloud passed rapidly over a country which was parched 
by heat, but did not let a single drop fall to refresh it. Pres- 
ently this same Cloud poured a generous shower of rain into the sea, 
and then began to boast of its generosity, within hearing of a neigh- 
bouring Mountain. But the Mountain replied: 

"What good have you done by such mistaken generosity? And 
how can any one help being pained by the sight of it? If you had 
poured your showers over the thirsty land, you would have saved a 
whole district from hunger. But as for the sea, my friend, it has 
plenty of water already, without your adding a few little rain drops to 
it." 

(Krilov, Fables. Adapted from translation by William R. S. Ralston.) 



402 MODERN FABLES 



THE SQUIRREL AND THE THRUSH 

ON a certain holiday a big crowd had gathered in front of the 
window of a rich man's home, and stared with open-mouthed 
wonder at a Squirrel running in the revolving wheel of its cage. A 
Thrush, perched on a branch of a neighbouring tree, also wondered. 
The Squirrel ran so fast that his feet seemed to twinkle, and his bushy 
tail spread itself straight out behind him. 

"Dear old friend of my native woods," said the Thrush, "will you 
please tell me what on earth you are doing?" 

"My dear fellow," replied the Squirrel, "I can hardly stop to talk, 
for I have to work hard all day. I am, in fact, the courier of a great 
nobleman, so that I can hardly stop to eat or drink or even to take 
breath." And immediately the Squirrel began again, running faster 
than ever in its wheel. 

"Yes," said the Thrush, as he flew away, "I can see plainly enough 
that you are running. But for all that, you are always there at the 
same window." 

There are many busy-bodies in the world, always worrying, always 
rushing back and forth; every one wonders at them. They seem 
ready to jump out of their own skins; but in spite of it all, they make 
no more progress than does the Squirrel in his wheel. 

(Krilov, Fables. Adapted from the translation by William R. S. Ralston.) 

THE PEBBLE AND THE DIAMOND 

A DIAMOND which some one had lost lay for a long time beside 
a Pebble in the dust of the high-road. At last it was picked up 
by a merchant, and sold to a King who had it set in gold as one of the 



RUSSIAN FABLES 403 



ornaments of his royal crown. When the Pebble heard of the 
brilliant fortune of the Diamond, it began to complain of its own hard 
lot; and one day, seeing a peasant driving by, it called out to him: 

"Do me a favour, kind sir, take me with you to the city. Why 
should I lie here in the mud and dust while my friend the Diamond, 
so I am told, is enjoying the honours of the Court? I don't under- 
stand why it has been treated so royally. It lay here beside me for 
many years; and after all, it is nothing but a stone, like myself. 
Please take me with you! Who can tell? Perhaps when I reach 
the city I too may be highly honoured!" 

The peasant picked up the Pebble, tossed it into his lumbering 
cart, and brought it to the city. On its way the Pebble passed the 
time picturing itself as occupying a place beside the Diamond in the 
King's crown. But it really met with quite a different fate. It was 
put to good use, for it served to mend a hole in the high-road. 

(Krilov, Fables. Adapted from the translation by William R. S. Ralston.) 

THE PIKE AND THE CAT 

A CONCEITED young Pike took it into his foolish young head to 
leave his native home in the water, and lead the life of a Cat. 
Perhaps he was envious of the Cat's easy, comfortable life; or perhaps 
he was tired of eating nothing but fish dinners. At all events he 
asked Pussy to take him with her the next time she went to hunt mice 
in the warehouse. 

"But, my dear friend," said the Cat, "what in the world do you 
know about catching mice? I am afraid you will make a sad mess 
of it ! You know the old sayings, 'A tailor should stick to his last,' 
and 'Jack of all trades is master of none.' 



404 MODERN FABLES 



"Don't worry about me," replied the Pike, "Catching mice is mere 
play to any one who is used to catching minnows!" 

"Oh, very well, we shall see ! Come along," said the Cat. 

So the two friends went together to the warehouse, and lay in wait, 
each in front of a separate mouse-hole. The Cat had great luck in her 
hunting, and after enjoying a hearty mouse dinner, went to see what 
sort of sport her friend had had. Alas, the poor Pike lay flat on the 
ware-room floor, feebly gasping for breath, and with its tail half nib- 
bled away by the mice. So the Cat, seeing that her friend had under- 
taken a task beyond his strength, dragged him back to the edge of the 
pond, and flung him, half dead, into his native water. 

(Krilov, Fables. Adapted from the translation by William R. S. Ralston.) 

THE ASS AND THE NIGHTINGALE 

AN Ass, happening one day to meet a Nightingale, said to her: 
'Listen, my dear, they tell me that you really have a wonderful 
voice, and for a long time I have wanted to hear you sing, and to judge 
for myself whether you are as great an artist as they say." 

At this the Nightingale began to display her art, whistling in count- 
less ways, with long-drawn, sobbing notes, and passing from one song 
to another. At one time she let her voice die away until it was like 
the distant echo of the wind among the reeds ; at another, she poured 
forth a shower of tiny notes, like the ripple of running water. All 
nature stopped to listen to her song : the breezes died down ; the other 
birds were hushed; the cattle and the sheep laid themselves silently 
down upon the grass. 

At length the singer ended. Then the Ass, bending his head to- 
wards the ground, remarked: 



RUSSIAN FABLES 405 



"That's not half bad. Honestly, I can listen to you without being 
bored. But it's a pity that you have never heard our Cock crowing. 
You would sing a great deal better if you could take a few lessons from 
him!" 

(Krilov, Fables. Adapted from translation by William R. S. Ralston.) 

TRISHKA'S CAFTAN 

A CERTAIN Russian peasant named Trishka, discovered one day 
that his Caftan, or long-skirted gown, was out at elbow. It 
seemed a simple matter; so he took his needle, cut off a quarter of 
each sleeve, and used the pieces to patch the elbows. The Caftan 
was all right again, excepting that now his arms were bare for a quar- 
ter of their length. This was in itself no great matter; but Trishka 
soon found that everybody was laughing at him. So he said to him- 
self: 

"Since I am no fool I can soon make things right again. All I need 
to do is to make the sleeves as long as they were before. Oh, Trishka 
is a match for any of them!" 

So he cut off the skirts of his Caftan, and used them to lengthen his 
sleeves. Once more Trishka was happy, even though he had a 
Caftan no longer than a waistcoat. 

Moral. Many people go through life wearing Trishka's Caftan; 
They are always hoping to get out of debt by borrowing of Peter to 
pay Paul. 

(Krilov, Fables. Adapted from the translation by William R. S. Ralston.) 



406 MODERN FABLES 



THE INQUISITIVE MAN 

AN Inquisitive Man was one day met by a friend who cordially 
hailed him : 

"Good morning, my good fellow! And where do you come 
from?" 

"From the Museum of Natural History, where I have just spent 
three hours. I saw everything there was to see and examined it care- 
fully. It was all so astonishing that honestly I am not clever enough 
to describe the half of it. Nature is certainly wonderful in her rich 
variety ! There are more birds and beasts than I ever dreamed of — 
not to mention the butterflies dragonflies and beetles — some green as 
emeralds and others as red as coral ! And there were tiny little gnats 
too — why, really, some of them are smaller than the head of a pin ! " 

"And of course you saw the elephant? What did you think of 
him ? I'll wager you felt as though you were looking at a mountain ! " 

"Elephant? Are you quite sure that they have an elephant?" 

"Quite sure." 

"Well, old man, don't tell anybody — but the fact is that I didn't 
notice the elephant!" 

(Krilov, Fables. Adapted from the translation by William R. S. Ralston.) 

THE EDUCATION OF THE YOUNG LION 

ONCE upon a time the Lion, King of all the animals, became the 
father of a son. As the young Lion Prince grew older, the 
King began to ask himself which of the animals he could trust to 
teach his son how to become a good and wise King. Should he hand 



RUSSIAN FABLES 407 



him over to the Fox? No, for although the Fox was clever, he was 
a great liar, and liars are always getting into trouble. Should he en- 
trust him to the Mole? No, for although the Mole was a careful and 
orderly animal, it could only see things under its very nose; it never 
looked far ahead. Should he choose the Panther? No, for although 
the Panther was strong and brave, and a great fighter, it knew nothing 
about law and politics — and a King must learn to be a just judge and 
wise statesman, as well as a good soldier. In short, not a single ani- 
mal, not even the wise old Elephant, knew enough to satisfy the Lion. 

Now it happened that another monarch, the Eagle, King of the 
birds, who was an old friend of the Lion, learned of his difficulty, and 
wishing to do him a great kindness offered to undertake the education 
of the young Prince himself. The old Lion was delighted; for what 
could be better than to find a King for a Prince's teacher? So the 
Lion's son was gotten ready, and sent off to the Eagle's Court, to learn 
how to be a King. 

After two or three years had passed, the Lion King, who had grown 
quite old, sent for his son to come home and relieve him of the cares of 
state. Having decided to turn the kingdom over to the young Lion, 
he summoned all the animals together, and in the presence of this as- 
sembly he asked his son to tell them what he had been taught and if 
he was made King what he intended to do to make his people happy. 

"Father," said the Lion Prince, "I have learned many things which 
no one else of all these animals here knows. I can tell where every 
bird, from the Eagle to the Quail, can most readily find water; what 
kind of food each bird needs, and how many eggs it lays; I can tell 
the wants of every bird that flies, without forgetting a single one. If 
you put me in charge of the kingdom I shall begin at once to teach 
the animals how to build nests." 



408 MODERN FABLES 



At this the beasts all howled aloud, and the old King perceived too 
late, that the young Lion had not been taught the knowledge which a 
King needs most of all — the knowledge of the wants of his own people 
and the interests of his own country. 

(Krilov, Fables. Adapted from the translation by William R. S. Ralston.) 

THE FARMER'S HORSE AND HIS DOG 

A DOG and a Horse, who both belonged to the same farmer, be- 
gan, one day, to dispute as to which had given the more valu- 
able services. 

"You have done nothing to boast of!" said the Dog, "I shouldn't 
be surprised to see you driven off the farm altogether! A noble ca- 
reer, indeed, to slave all day dragging a plough or a cart. Yet I never 
heard of your doing anything finer! How can you possibly think 
yourself my equal? I never rest day or night. All day long I watch 
the cattle in the meadow; and throughout the night I guard the 
house." 

"I don't deny it," replied the Horse, "All that you say is quite 
true. Only, please remember that if it were not for my ploughing 
there would be nothing at all for you to guard." 

(Krilov, Fables. Adapted from the translation by William R. S. Ralston.) 

THE ELEPHANT AND THE PUG DOG 

AN Elephant was once being led through the streets of a town as 
the chief attraction of a travelling circus, and crowds had gath- 
ered to stare and wonder at him. All of a sudden, a Pug Dog ap- 
peared from some corner or other, and as soon as he caught sight of 
the Elephant made a dash at him, snapping and barking fiercely. 



RUSSIAN FABLES 409 



"Stop your noise, Puppy," advised a shaggy old Mastiff, "You are 
making yourself ridiculous! Do you think you can fight an Ele- 
phant? You have already barked yourself hoarse; yet the Elephant 
keeps right on, and does not pay the slightest attention to you." 

"Yes, yes," said the Pug, "that is what makes me so brave. With- 
out having to fight at all, I can make people think that I am a very 
savage animal. 'Look at PuggyP the other dogs will all say, 'what 
courage he must have, or he would never dare to bark at an Ele- 
phant!' " 

(Krilov, Fables. Adapted from the translation by JVilliam R. S. Ralston.) 

THE BOASTFUL GEESE 

A FARMER with a long rod in his hands was driving some Geese to 
town, to sell them, and hoping to make a good bargain, he was 
hurrying them on rather urgently. Consequently, the Geese com- 
plained loudly to every passer-by. 

"Were ever Geese more unfortunate than we? This farmer drives 
us along as roughly as though we were common, ordinary Geese. He 
is such an ignorant fellow himself that he does not know that he ought 
to pay us great honour, because we are the noble sons of those famous 
Geese that once saved Rome from destruction." 

"And is that your reason for expecting people to honour you to- 
day?" one of the passers-by asked them. 

"Why, yes, our fathers, the Geese of Rome — " 

"I know, I have read all about that. But what I am asking you, 
is of what use have you yourselves ever been? What have you 
done?" 

"We? Why, nothing!" 



410 MODERN FABLES 



"Then why should you expect to be held in honour? Let your fa- 
thers sleep in peace — they received their reward. But you, my 
friends, are fit only to be roasted." 

(Krilov, Fables. Adapted from the translation by William R. S. Ralston.) 

THE CUCKOO AND THE EAGLE 

THE Eagle, King of the birds, once appointed a Cuckoo to the 
position of Court Nightingale. The Cuckoo, proud of his new 
rank, seated himself on the bough of an aspen tree, and began to show 
his qualities as a singer. Presently he looked around to see what 
sort of an impression he was making. To his dismay all the other 
birds were starting to fly away, some angrily protesting, and the rest 
laughing at him. The Cuckoo was very indignant, and hurried back 
to the Eagle to make a complaint against the other birds. 

"Your Majesty, I ask for justice," he cried, "By your command I 
was appointed Court Nightingale of these woods — and yet the other 
birds have dared to laugh at my singing!" 

"My friend," answered the Eagle, "I am a King, but I am not God. 
It is impossible for me to do away with the cause of your complaint. 
I can order a Cuckoo to be called a Nightingale. But to make a 
Nightingale out of a Cuckoo — that I cannot do." 

{Krilov, Fables. Adapted from the translation by William R. S. Ralston.) 

THE ELEPHANT IN FAVOR 

ONCE upon a time the Elephant was high in favour at the Court 
of the Lion, King of beasts. All the animals of the forest be- 
gan to gossip, and many were the guesses they made as to how the 
Elephant had become such a favourite. 



RUSSIAN FABLES 411 



"He is not a handsome beast," the animals all agreed, "he is not 
even amusing. And as for his habits, he certainly has very bad 
manners!" 

"If he only had a brush like mine," said the Fox, proudly whisking 
his fine, bushy tail, "I should not have thought it so strange!" 

"Or if he had big, strong claws like mine," rejoined the Bear, "it 
would not have been so extraordinary. But, as we all know, the poor 
beast has no claws at all!" 

"You don't think, do you, that his tusks got him into favor?" broke 
in the Ox. "Is it possible that they were mistaken for horns, like 
mine i 

"Do you mean to tell me," demanded the Ass, shaking his ears, 
"that you really none of you know what it is that has made the Ele- 
phant so popular at Court? Why, I guessed the reason right away! 
If it had not been for his beautiful long ears, he would never have got 
into favour!" 

(Krilov, Fables. Adapted from the translation by William R. S. Ralston.) 

THE EAGLE AND THE SPIDER 

AN Eagle had soared above the clouds to the highest peak of a 
mountain range, and perching upon an ancient cedar, admired 
the landscape spread out below it. For it seemed as though the boun- 
daries of the whole world could be seen from that height. 

"Heaven be praised," said the Eagle, "for giving me such powers 
of flight, that there is no mountain too high for me to reach. I am 
now looking down upon the beauties of the world from a point which 
no other living creature has ever reached!" 

"What a boaster you are," observed a Spider from a near-by twig. 



412 MODERN FABLES 



"Where I am sitting isn't so far below you, is it, friend Eagle?" 

The Eagle glanced upward. True enough, the Spider was busily 
spinning its web from a twig above his head. 

"However did you reach this height?" asked the Eagle. "Weak 
and wingless, as you are, how did you ever crawl way up here?" 

"Why, I fastened myself unto you," returned the Spider. "You 
yourself brought me from down below clinging to your tail feathers. 
But now that I am so high up in the world I can get along very well 
by myself, without your help. So you needn't put on any airs with 
me. For I want to tell you that — " 

At this moment a sudden gust of wind swept by, and brushed the 
Spider, web and all, back again into the depths of the valley from 
which it had come. 

(Krilov, Fables. Adapted from the translation by William R. S. Ralston.) 

THE MONKEY AND THE SPECTACLES 

A MONKEY, which had grown weak-sighted in old age, remem- 
bered having heard men say that this was not a serious misfor- 
tune, but only made it necessary to wear glasses. So the Monkey 
provided himself with half a dozen pairs of Spectacles, and after turn- 
ing them this way and that, tried wearing them first on the top of his 
head, and then on the end of his tail, smelled of them and licked them, 
but all to no purpose. The Spectacles did not help him to see any 
better. "Good gracious," cried the Monkey, "what fools people 
are to listen to all the nonsense that they hear. All that I have been 
told about Spectacles is a pack of lies. They are not a particle of 









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v 
V 



v. 



,>««Be£ 



' HOW EVER DID YOU REACH THIS HEIGHT?' ASKED THE EAGLE. 



—Page tt2 



RUSSIAN FABLES 413 



use to me!" And hereupon the Monkey in his vexation flung the 
Spectacles down upon the ground so violently that they were broken 
to pieces. 

{Krilov, Fables. Adapted from the translation by William R. S. Ralston.) 

THE KITE AND THE BUTTERFLY 

A PAPER Kite, which some boys were flying until it soared above 
the clouds, called down from on high to a Butterfly far below 
in the valley. 

"Really and truly, friend Butterfly, I hardly recognized you from 
way up here. Confess, now, that you envy me when you see how 
high I am flying!" 

"Envy you ? No, indeed ! " replied the Butterfly, "you have no rea- 
son for feeling so proud of yourself! You fly high, to be sure. But 
you are always tied by a string. Such a life, my friend, is very far 
from a happy one. As for me, humble though I am, I still can fly 
where I choose. I should not want to spend all my life as the tool 
of some one else's foolish amusement!" 

(Krilov, Fables. Adapted from the translation by William R. S. Ralston.) 

THE COMB 

A LOVING mother bought a good, strong Comb, to keep her lit- 
tle boy's hair in order. The child was so pleased with his new 
present that he would not let it out of his hands. Whether playing 
games, or learning his alphabet, he was all the time drawing the Comb 
through his soft, thick, golden curls. And what a wonderful Comb 
is was ! It not only did not pull out his hair, but glided through so 
smoothly and easily that it never even got caught in it. But at last, 



414 MODERN FABLES 



one day, this good, kind, wonderful Comb was lost. The boy had 
been playing and romping until he had got his hair into a regulai 
tangle. But no sooner did the nurse start to comb it than the boy 
began to cry and scream, "Where is my own Comb?" and would not 
let any one touch his hair with any comb but his. 

At last the Comb was found. But when they tried to draw it 
through his hair, it could not be moved either backward or forward; 
all it did was to pull his hair out by the roots, and bring tears of pain to 
his eyes. 

"How wicked you are, you bad old Comb!" cried the boy. But 
the Comb replied: 

"My dear boy, I am the same Comb that I always was; only your 
hair has become badly tangled." Whereupon our foolish young 
friend in his rage flung his Comb out of the window into the river. 

So long as men have a clear conscience they love to hear the truth, 
as the little boy loved his Comb. It is only when our consciences be- 
come tangled that the truth begins to hurt. 

(Krilov, Fables. Adapted from the translation by William R. S. Ralston.) 

THE EAGLE AND THE WORM 

UPON the summit of a lofty rock, 
An Eagle chanced to espy 
A Worm; whom thus he 'gan in taunting tone to mock: 
"Reptile! What raised thee thus high? 
How haps it I so vile a creature see 
Perched on the same eminence with me, 

Here daring to abide?" 
"By my own strength," the Worm replied, 



RUSSIAN FABLES 415 



"I hither made my way; and small in 

My opinion, the difference of the mode 

In which to the same point we took our road; 

What you by soaring did, I did by crawling^ 

(Anonymous. Translated from the Russian for Fraser's Magazine.) 



PART V 
GERMAN FABLES 



PART V 
GERMAN FABLES 

THE FIR-TREE AND THE PALM 

A LONELY Fir-tree standeth, 
On a height where north winds blow; 
It sleepeth, with whitened garment, 

Enshrouded by ice and snow. 

It dreameth of a Palm-tree, 

That far in the Eastern land 

Lonely and silent mourneth 

On its burning shelf of sand. 

(Heinrich Heine. Translated by W. W. Story.) 

THE COCK AND THE RAVEN 

A RAVEN rather thievishly inclined, 
Went hopping here and there to pilfer 
Such little god-sends, both of gold and silver 

As he could find. 
With seals, and watch-chains, trinkets, rings, 
And fifty other pretty little things. 
At last a grave old Cock, who saw, 

At sundry times, 
Our black transgressor of the law, 

Commit these crimes; 

419 



420 MODERN FABLES 



One day address'd him with a "Pr'ythee, 
Why dost thou fetch these gew-gaws with thee? 
What use can these be to thee?" — "None," 
Quoth the old robber, in a croaking tone, 

"But then I take them 

You see, to make them 
My own." 

(Rabner.) 

THE GREEN DONKEY 

A CERTAIN Simpleton painted his Donkey green — that is, he 
painted the body green and the legs red — and started to lead 
him along the street. Every one, young and old, came out to stare. 
"What a marvel!" cried the whole town, "A grass-green Donkey with 
scarlet legs ! Here is a story to be handed down to our grandchil- 
dren as one of the wonders of our generation !" The streets swarmed 
with the crowds jostling and shoving to get a sight. They filled the 
windows and thronged the doors : for every one wanted at least to see 
the Green Donkey even if they could not get a chance to walk beside 
it. 

For the first two days they followed the Donkey, marvelling at him. 
Even the sick folk forgot their pains when the Green Donkey was 
talked of. And even the nurses stopped singing children to sleep 
with "Baa, baa, Black Sheep," but sang instead of Green Donkeys. 

But the third day had hardly passed when the novelty of the Green 
Donkey was over. Everybody had lost all desire to see a painted 



GERMAN FABLES 421 



Donkey of any colour. And however wonderful he had seemed at 
first, there was soon not a person in town who ever said a word about 
him. 

(From the German of Gellert.) 

THE CUCKOO 

ONE day a Cuckoo, in his flights up and down, 
Fell in with a Starling escaping from town : 
"Pray, what is the talk?" he began with an air; 
"Pray, how do they speak of our songs in the city? 
Pray, what do they think of the Nightingale there?" 
"The whole of the town is in love with her ditty." — 
"And pray, what remark do they pass on the lark?" — 
"She's high in renown with the half of the town." — 
"Indeed! well, and as to the blackbird?" — "He too, 
Is very much praised, here and there, by a few." — 
"Well, now I've to add, that I'd feel very glad 
If you'd tell me the various opinions that go forth, 
Respecting myself, and my merits, and so forth?" — 
"Why that," said the Starling, "I hardly can do, 
For scarcely a soul ever talks about you." — 
"Base ingrates! — well then, as they grant me no praise 
I'll trumpet myself to the end of my days." 
So saying, away to the forest he flew, 
And even since then has been crying "Cuckoo!" 

(Gellert.) 



422 MODERN FABLES 



THE COLT 

A COLT, that had never felt a rider's weight, looked upon bridle 
and saddle as marks of distinction. Under this impression, 
it ran after every Horse on which it saw a man mounted, and sighed 
impatiently for the time when it should be similarly honoured. 

At length the envied trappings were placed upon the Colt; and it 
was led gently up and down, in order that it might become accustomed 
to the curb. The Colt strutted proudly up and down and was im- 
mensely pleased with itself. 

Elate with its new honours, it returned to its stall and neighing 
loudly, told all the Horses of its good fortune. "I was praised by all 
who saw me," it told the nearest Horse. "A red bridle hung from 
my mouth and lay gracefully over my black mane." 

But the very next day the Colt came sorrowfully back, in a white 
lather of perspiration, and said: "Life is full of disappointments! 
To be sure, my bridle is ornamental ; but it was not made for that. It 
was invented for my rider's benefit, and to make me his obedient 
slave." 

(Gellert, Fables. Bussey's translation.) 

THE WOLF ON HIS DEATH-BED 

A WOLF lay at his last gasp, and recalled the many events of his 
past life. "True, I am a sinner," said he, "but let me still 
hope, not one of the greatest. I have done harm, but also much good. 
Once, I remember, a bleating Lamb, which had strayed from the flock, 
came so near me that I could easily have throttled it; yet I did not 



GERMAN FABLES 423 



harm the Lamb. At the same time, I listened to the jeers and jibes of 
an old Sheep with the most surprising indifference, although there 
were no Sheep-dogs there to be feared." 

"I can explain all that," interrupted his friend, the Fox, who was 
comforting his last hours. "I remember distinctly all the circum- 
stances. It was precisely the time that you so unfortunately got a 
bone stuck in your throat, which the kind-hearted Crane afterwards 
drew out!" 

(Lessing, Fables, Book II, No. 4. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 

THE OX AND THE CALF 

A POWERFUL Ox tore away the upper part of the door-way with 
his horns, in pushing himself through the low entrance of his 
stall. 

"Look, Master!" shouted a presumptious young Calf, "I do not in- 
jure your property as the clumsy Ox does ! 

"How glad I would be," answered the Master, "if you were already 
big and strong enough to be able to do so !" 

(Lessing Fables, Book II, No. 5. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 

THE BLIND HEN 

A HEN who had lost her sight, and was accustomed to scratching 
up the earth in search of food, although blind, still continued 
to scratch away most diligently. Of what use was it to the industrious 
fool? Another sharp-sighted hen who spared her tender feet, never 
budged from her side, and enjoyed, without scratching, the fruit of the 
other's labour. For as often as the Blind Hen scratched up a barley- 
corn, her watchful companion devoured it. 

(Lessing, Fables, Book II, No. 9. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 



424 MODERN FABLES 



THE DONKEYS 

ONCE upon a time the Donkeys complained to Jupiter that they 
were treated too cruelly by mankind. "Our strong backs," 
said they, "carry burdens which every weaker animal and Man him- 
self would sink under. And what is more, they try to force us by 
merciless beating to go at a speed which is rendered impossible by our 
heavy loads, even if it were not denied us by nature. Forbid them, 
Great Jupiter, to be so unreasonable. We are willing to serve them, 
since we seem to have been created for that purpose, but we object to 
being beaten without cause." 

"My children," replied Jupiter, "your request is just. But I see 
no possible way of convincing Mankind that your natural slowness is 
not due to laziness. And as long as they believe this, you will be 
beaten. But I have thought of one way of lightening your sorrows. 
From this moment onward I will dull your sense of feeling; your skins 
shall be toughened to resist blows, and to fatigue the arm of the 
Driver." 

"Immortal Jupiter," shouted the Donkeys, "you are ever wise and 

merciful," and they departed from his throne rejoicing. 

(Lessing, Fables, Book II, No. 10. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 

THE WILD APPLE-TREE 

A SWARM of Bees settled and built their hive in the hollow trunk 
of a Wild Apple-Tree. They soon filled the hollow with the 
treasures of their Honey, and the Wild Apple-Tree became so proud 
in consequence that it looked down contemptuously upon all its neigh- 
bours. 



GERMAN FABLES 425 



Hereupon a Rose-Bush thus addressed the Tree: "Truly yours is 
a poor sort of pride that bases itself upon borrowed sweetness! Is 
your miserable fruit any the less bitter because the Bees have made 
their home in your hollow trunk? Sweeten it then with their honey, 
if you can; for not until then will you be of any value to Mankind!" 

(Lessing, Fables, Book II, No. 25. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 

THE BRAMBLE 

WILL you kindly explain," said the Willow to the Bramble, 
"why you are so eager to seize hold of the clothes of every 
man, woman or child that passes by? Of what use can their clothes 
possibly be to you?" 

"Of no use," said the Bramble. "Neither do I wish to take the 

clothes from them. I only want to tear them." 

(Lessing Fables, Book II, No. 27. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 

THE ARCHER AND HIS BOW 

AN Archer once had an excellent Bow made of ebony, which 
would carry an arrow true to the mark from a great distance. 
Consequently he valued it very highly. One day, however, as he ex- 
amined it attentively, he soliloquized: "You are still a little too 
thick; and you have no decorations excepting your polish. What a 
pity!" Then on second thought he added, "But that may be 
remedied. I will go to the cleverest artist I can find and order him to 
carve my Bow with ornamental figures." 

Without losing a moment, the Archer set out to find the Artist ; and 
the Artist soon carved a complete hunting scene on the Bow ; and what 
could be more suitable on a weapon of the chase? 



426 MODERN FABLES 



The Archer was delighted. "Ah! my dear Bow," he said, "you 
well deserve these embellishments!" Wishing again to try its powers, 
he spans the Bow and it breaks. 

(Lessing, Fables, Book III, No. 1. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 

SOLOMON'S GHOST 

A VENERABLE old man, despite his years and the heat of the day, 
was ploughing his field with his own hand, and sowing the grain 
in the willing earth, in anticipation of the harvest it would produce. 

Suddenly beneath the deep shadow of a spreading oak, a divine ap- 
parition stood before him ! The old man was seized with affright. 

"I am Solomon," said the phantom encouragingly. "What dost 
thou here, old friend?" 

"If thou art Solomon," said the owner of the field, "how canst thou 
ask? In my youth I learnt from the ant to be industrious and to 
accumulate wealth. That which I then learnt I now practise." 

"Thou hast learnt but the half of thy lesson," pursued the spirit. 
"Go once more to the ant, and she will teach thee to rest in the winter 
of thy existence, and enjoy what thou hast earned." 

(Lessing, Fables, Book III, No. 3. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 

THE SHEEP AND THE SWALLOW 

A SWALLOW alighted on the back of a Sheep, to pluck a little 
wool for her nest. The Sheep, unwilling to lose any of his 
coat, tried to shake off the intruder. 

"What makes you so unfriendly towards me?" asked the Swallow. 
"You allow the Shepherd to shear you of your wool from head to foot; 



GERMAN FABLES 427 



yet you grudge me the smallest bit of it. Whatever is the reason?" 
"The reason," replied the Sheep, "is that you lack the skill to take 
off my wool in the same easy manner that the Shepherd shears me." 

(Lessing, Fables, Book III, No. 5. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 

THE BEAR AND THE ELEPHANT 

WHAT incomprehensible creatures men are!" said the Bear to 
the Elephant. "What will they not expect next of us su- 
perior animals? I am forced to dance to music, I, a serious-minded 
Bear! Yet they know quite well that such foolish capers are un- 
suited to my dignified nature. Otherwise why do they always laugh 
when I dance?" 

"I also dance to music," replied the wise old Elephant," and I con- 
sider myself quite as sedate and honourable as yourself. Neverthe- 
less, the spectators never laugh at me; all that can be read in their 
faces is a pleased wonderment. Believe me, friend Bear, the people 
laugh at you, not because you dance, but because you look as though 
you felt so silly." 

(Lessing, Fables, Book HI, No. 11. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 

THE OSTRICH 

THE arrow-swift Reindeer once saw an Ostrich, and said: 
"There is nothing remarkable about the way in which the Os- 
trich runs. But it is quite likely that he flies much better." 

At another time the Eagle saw the Ostrich, and said: "To be sure 
the Ostrich cannot fly, but I dare say that he may run rather well." 

(Lessing, Fables, Book III, No. 12. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 



428 MODERN FABLES 



THE BENEFACTORS 

FAVE you in the creation, any greater benefactor than me?" 
1 1 asked the bee of a man. 

"Most undoubtedly," replied the man. 

"Name him!" 

"The sheep ! For his wool is necessary to me, and your honey is 
only a luxury. And I will give you another reason, Mrs. Bee, why I 
consider the sheep a greater benefactor than you. The sheep gives 
me his wool without the least trouble or danger; but when I take your 
honey, you keep me in constant apprehension of your sting." 

(Lessing, Fables, Book III, No. 13. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 

THE OLD STAG AND THE YOUNG STAG 

AN Old Stag, whom kindly nature had allowed to live to the age 
of a hundred years, once said to one of his grandchildren : "I 
can still well remember the time when man had not yet invented the 
noisy shot-gun." 

"What a happy time that must have been for our race," sighed the 
Young Stag. 

"You jump too quickly at conclusions," answered the Old Stag. 
"The times were no better than they are now; they were only dif- 
ferent. Instead of the shot-gun men had the bow and arrow, and we 
were just as badly off then as we are now." 

(Lessing, Fables, Book III, No. 26. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 



GERMAN FABLES 429 



THE PEACOCK AND THE ROOSTER 

THE Peacock once said to the barn-yard Hen: "Listen to me! 
Have you ever thought that no matter how bravely and haugh- 
tily your Rooster struts about, men never speak of him as 'the proud 
Rooster?' Yet they always speak of me as 'the proud Peacock!' " 

"The reason for that," answered the Hen, "is that men will excuse 
a justifiable pride. The Rooster is proud of his manliness, and the 
faithful watch he keeps. But what have you to be proud of? Paint 
and feathers!" 

(Lessing, Fables, Book III, No. 27. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 

THE LION AND THE HARE 

A LION once honored a Hare with his friendship. "Is it really 
a fact," asked the Hare, "that the crowing of a miserable cock 
is enough to scare you Lions into running away?" 

"Such is undoubtedly the case," replied the Lion. "And it is a 
general truth that we larger animals, almost all of us, have some one 
foolish weakness. For example, you yourself must have heard that 
the grunting of a pig will astonish and terrify an elephant." 

"Indeed!" interrupted the Hare. "Ah! now I understand why 
we Hares are so terribly afraid of a dog." 

(Lessing, Fables, Book I, No. 3. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 



JUPITER AND THE HORSE 

ATHER of man and beast," said the Horse, approaching the 
throne of Jupiter, "it is said that I am one of the noblest 
creatures with which you have adorned the world, and my vanity tells 



F 



430 MODERN FABLES 



me to believe it. ' But do you not think it would still be possible to 
improve my form?" 

"And how do you propose to improve it? Speak, for I am open to 
suggestions," returned Jupiter, smiling graciously. 

"Perhaps," returned the Horse, "I might have more speed if my 
legs were longer and more slender; a long swan-like neck would add 
to my beauty; a broader chest would increase my strength; and since 
you have destined me to carry upon my back your favourite, man, it 
might be well if the saddle, which my kind rider provides me with, 
should once for all be made a part of my body." 

"Excellent," replied Jupiter, "wait a moment!" 

And then, with a solemn air, he spoke the Word of Creation. The 
dust received the breath of life, matter took on its appointed form; 
and suddenly there stood before the throne the ungainly Camel. The 
Horse saw, shrank back, and shuddered in disgust and fear. 

"Here," said Jupiter, "are longer and more slender legs; here is 
a long swan-like neck, a broader chest, a ready-made saddle. Is this 
the form you wish in place of your own?" 

The Horse continued to shudder in silence. 

"Go," concluded Jupiter, "and this time the warning shall be 
sufficient without further punishment. But in order to remind you 
from time to time of the folly of your audacity, this new creation shall 
continue to exist!" Then, casting a sustaining glance upon the 
Camel, he added, "And no Horse shall ever look upon the Camel 
without fear and trembling." 

(Lessing, Fables, Book I, No. 5. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 



GERMAN FABLES 431 



THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE PEACOCK 

A SOCIABLE Nightingale found among the other songsters of the 
grove plenty of birds who envied her, but not a single friend. 
"Perhaps," thought she, "I may find a friend in some other branch of 
the bird family," and accordingly flew confidingly to the home of the 
Peacock. 

"Beautiful Peacock! how much I admire you!" she said. 

"No less than I admire you, lovely Nightingale," returned the 
Peacock. 

"Then let us be friends," declared the Nightingale, "for we need 
never be envious of each other. You are as pleasing to the eye as I 
am to the ear." Accordingly the Nightingale and the Peacock be- 
came fast friends. 

(Lessing, Fables, Book I, No. 7. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 

THE WOLF AND THE SHEPHERD 

A SHEPHERD had lost the whole of his flock from a dreadful 
epidemic. The Wolf, hearing of it, came to offer his sym- 
pathy. 

"Shepherd," said he, "is it true that you have met with this sad 

affliction, and have lost your whole flock? Such a gentle, obedient 

flock! I feel for you deeply, and could almost shed tears of blood." 

"Many thanks, Master Wolf," said the Shepherd, "I see that you 

have a heart overflowing with compassion." 

"Indeed he has," added the Shepherd's Dog, "whenever he himself 

suffers through a neighbour's misfortune." 

(Lessing, Fables, Book I, No. 8. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 



432 MODERN FABLES 



THE WOLF, A HERO 

"JY /I Y Father, of glorious memory," said a young Wolf to a Fox, 
J V 1 "was a true hero ! He taught the entire neighbourhood to 
fear him. In the course of a long life, he met and conquered more 
than two hundred enemies, and sent their miserable souls to the King- 
dom of Death. What wonder is there that at last he was vanquished 
by one of them?" 

"Thus would a prejudiced friend write his epitaph," rejoined the 
Fox. "But an impartial historian would add that the two hundred 
enemies whom he conquered in the course of his long life were only 
Sheep and Asses, and that the one enemy by whom he was vanquished 
was the first Ox he had ever dared to attack." 

(Lessing, Fables, Book I, No. 12. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 

THE GOOSE 

ONCE upon a time there was a Goose whose feathers rivalled 
the whiteness of the newly fallen snow. In her pride at this 
dazzling gift of Nature, she considered herself intended for a Swan, 
rather than for what she really was. Accordingly, separating herself 
from her companions, she swam around the pond in solitary majesty. 
She now stretched her neck, the tell-tale shortness of which she made 
every effort to disguise. Now, she tried to give it that graceful curve 
which is the unmistakable charm of a really beautiful Swan. But 
she tried in vain, for her neck was too stiff, and in spite of all her 
pains she remained a ridiculous Goose, and never inspired a single 
beholder with the least idea that she resembled a Swan. 



GERMAN FABLES 433 



How many Geese there are, without wings, who, because of similar 
pretentions become a laughing stock to their neighbours. 

(Lessing, Fables, Book I, No. 14. Translated by G. Moir Bussey. 

THE OAK AND THE PIG 

A GLUTTONOUS Pig was feeding beneath a lofty Oak tree, upon 
the fallen acorns. Even while he ate one acorn, he was already 
casting a greedy eye upon another. 

"Ungrateful beast!" at length exclaimed the Oak, "you fatten 
yourself upon my fruit without bestowing a single thought of grati- 
tude upon the source of it. 

The Pig, interrupting his feeding for a moment, grunted in reply : 
"My grateful regards should not be wanting, if only I could feel sure 
that you had let your acorns fall on my account." 

(Lessing, Fables, Book I, No. 15. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 

THE SPARROWS 

THERE was once an ancient church in the chinks and crannies of 
which the Sparrows had built countless nests. In the course of 
time this old church was repaired. As it stood in all the lustre of its 
new stone and plaster, the Sparrows returned to look for their old 
homes; but they found that these had all been carefully bricked up. 

"Of what earthly use," cried the Sparrows, "can so large a building 
now be? Come, let us leave this useless pile of stone to its fate!" 

(Lessing, Fables, Book I, No. 17. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 



434 MODERN FABLES 



THE OX AND THE STAG 

THE clumsy Ox and the nimble Stag once had their pasture to- 
gether in the same meadow. 
"Stag," said the Ox, "if the Lion should attack us, let us pledge 
ourselves to assist each other; between your antlers and my horns, we 
shall be able to keep him off bravely." 

"Such a bargain would never suit me," replied the Stag. "Why 
should I promise to engage in an unequal contest with the Lion, when 
my swift legs enable me so easily to escape from him?" 

{Lessing, Fables, Book I, No. 27. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 

,£SOP AND THE ASS 

4r T^HE next time you write a fable about me," said the donkey to 
1 ^Esop, "make me say something wise and sensible." 
"Something sensible from you!" exclaimed /Esop; "what would 
the world think? People would call you the moralist, and me the 
donkey!" 

{Lessing, Fables, Book I, No. 30. Translated by G. Moir Bussey.) 



PART VI 
POLISH FABLES 




PART VI 
POLISH FABLES 

THE WAGGONER AND THE BUTTERFLY 

HE rain so soft had made the road, 
That, in a rut, a Waggon-load, 
The poor man's harvest (bitter luck), 
Sank down a foot, and then it stuck. 
He whipp'd his horses, but in vain; 

They pull'd and splash'd and pulled again, 

But vainly still, the slippery soil 

Defied their strength, and mock'd their toil. 

Panting they stood, with legs outspread, 

The driver stood and scratched his head: 

(A common custom, by-the-by, 

When people know not what to try, 

Tho' not, it seems, a remedy) . 

A Butterfly, in flower concealed, 

Had travell'd with them from the field, 

Who in the Waggon was thrown up, 

While feasting on a buttercup. 

The panting of each lab'ring beast 

Disturbed her at her fragrant feast ; 

The sudden stop, the driver's sigh, 

Awoke her gen'rous sympathy. 

And seeing the distressing case 

She cried, while springing from her place, 

437 



438 MODERN FABLES 



(Imagining her tiny freight 
A vast addition to the weight), 
"I must have pity — and be gone, 
Now, master Waggoner, drive on." 

Do not admire this Butterfly, 
Young reader; I will tell you why: 
At first good nature seems a cause, 
Why she should merit your applause, 
But 'twas conceit, that fill'd her breast: 
Her self-importance made a jest 
Of what might otherwise have claimed 
Your praise, — but now she must be blamed. 
Should any case occur when you 
May have some friendly act to do ; 
Give all your feeble aid — as such, 
But estimate it not too much. 

{Translated from the Polish of Ignace Krasicki.) 

THE BIRD-CALL 

A MIMIC I knew, 
To give him his due, 
Was exceeded by none and was equalled by few. 

He could bark like a dog; 
He could grunt like a hog ; 
Nay, I really believe, he could croak like a frog. 



POLISH FABLES 439 



Then, as for a bird, 
You may trust to my word, 
'Twas the best imitation that ever you heard. 

Yes, it must be confessed 
That he copied them best ; 
You'd have thought he had lived all his life in a nest! 

The Chaffinch's tone 
Was completely his own; 
Not one of the tribe had the difference known. 

The Goldfinch and Thrush 
Would often cry, "Hush ! 
Our brothers are singing in yonder low bush!" 

And then what a race 
To fly to the place, 
Where the cunning rogue cleverly captured the brace! 

But it happened one day 
That he came in the way 
Of a sportsman, an excellent marksman, they say. 

While near a hedge-wall 

With his little bird-call 

He amused himself mimicking birds, one and all. 



440 MODERN FABLES 



And so well did he do it 
That many flew to it ; 
But, alas ! he had presently good cause to rue it : 

For it proved sorry fun, 
Since the man with the gun, 
Who was seeking for Partridges, took him for one. 

He was shot in the side; 
And he feelingly cried, 
A very few minutes before he died: 

"Who for others prepare 
A trap, should beware 
Lest they sooner or later fall in their own snare." 

(From the Polish of Ignace Krasicki.) 

THE MAN AND HIS COAT 

A MAN beat his Coat 
Now and then with a cane ; 
And, astonished, one morning, 
He heard it complain: 

"Ungratefully treated! 

My fortune is hard ! 
To beat me, dear Master! 

Is this my reward?" 



POLISH FABLES 441 



"I beat you?" he answered, 
"The charge is unjust: 

I but gently endeavour 
To take out the dust. 

The means I make use of 
To you may seem hard; 

But it does not diminish, 
Good Coat, my regard. 

My son, whom I cherish 
More fondly than you, 

I cane rather often, 
For like reason too. 

The faults that, in children, 
We needs must repress, 

Are like dust, that beclouds 
The most exquisite dress ; 

A little exertion 

Will soon work a cure, 
And will make both more lovely, 

More worthy, more pure." 

Though the fable is good, 

Yet I never will blush 
To own, / prefer dusting 

My coat with a brush. 



442 MODERN FABLES 



- To most of my readers 
I need not explain, 
Advice is the brush 
I prefer to a Cane. 

(Translated from the Polish of Ignace Krasicki.) 

THE ASS AND THE LAMB 



H 



OW hard is my fate ! 
What sorrows await," 
Said the Ass to the Sheep, "my deplorable state! 



Cold, naked, ill-fed, 
I sleep in a shed, 
And the snow, wind and rain come in over my head. 

All this day did I pass 
In a yard without grass: — 
What a pity that I was created an Ass ! 

As for Master, he sat 
By the fire, with the Cat; 
And they both looked as you do, contented and fat. 

Your nice coat of wool, 
So elastic and full, 
Makes you much to be envied, — aye, more than the Bull! 1 



POLISH FABLES 443 



"How can you pretend," 
Said his poor bleating friend, 
"To complain? Let me silence to you recommend. 

My sorrows are deep," 
Continued the Sheep, 
And her eyes looked as if she were ready to weep. 

"I expect, — 'tis no fable, — 
To be dragged from the stable, 
And to-morrow, perhaps, be cut up for the table. 

Now you, with docility, 
Strength and civility, — 
Will live some years longer, in all probability. 

So, no envy, I beg, 
For I'll bet you an egg, 
You will carry the spinach to eat with my leg." 

The situation of those we envy is often much worse than our own. 

(Translated from the Polish of Ignace Krasicki.) 

THE BROOK AND THE FOUNTAIN 

A FOUNTAIN varied gambols played 
Close by an humble Brook; 
While gently murmuring through the glade, 
Its peaceful course it took. 



444 MODERN FABLES 



Perhaps it gave one envious glance 
Upon the Fountain's height, 

While glittering in the morning's rays, 
Pre-eminently bright. 

In all the colours of the sky 

Alternately it shone: 
The Brook observed with a sigh 

But quietly rolled on. 

The owner of the Fountain died; 

Neglect soon brought decay: 
The bursting pipes were ill-supplied: 

The Fountain ceased to play. 

But still the Brook her peaceful course 

Continued to pursue; 
Her ample, inexhaustive source 

From nature's fount she drew. 

"Now," said the Brook, "I bless my fate, 

My showy rival gone; 
Contented in its native state 

My little stream rolls on. 

And all the world has cause, indeed, 

To own, with grateful heart, 
How much great Nature's work excels 



POLISH FABLES 445 



The feeble works of art." 
Humble usefulness is preferable to idle splendour. 

(From the Polish of Ignace Krasicki.) 

WINE AND WATER 

A PARTY of pleasure their sandwiches took, 
In the shade of a willow, that hung o'er a brook ; 
A bottle of Wine, that stood ready for drinking, 
Thus spoke to the Water (I think, without thinking) :- 

"How much more than you to be envied am // 
The drink of the titled and rich I supply, — 
While you (I could never endure it, I'm sure), 
Are stood in by cattle and drunk by the poor." 

"I own," said the Water, with modest reply, 
"Your grandness, — I never aspire so high. 
I know the rich think me their notice below, 
Except just for washing their faces, or so. 

If to boasting inclined, I have reason, — for see 
Yon group of young swimmers, delighting in me. 
To give pleasure and health to them, only is mine; 
For who ever bathed in a river of Wine? 

Then look at the strength of the lads in this place; 
Who, contented with me, have such health in their face ; 
They work for your master and frugally dine, 
And give him the money to pay for his Wine. 



446 MODERN FABLES 



They envy him not, nor do I envy you; 
The rich are but mortals, — the poor are so too, — 
The rich may be happy with Wine and the gout; 
But pray let the poor man be happy without." 

(Translated from the Polish of Ignace Krasicki.) 



BOOK FOUR 
KRAAL AND WIGWAM FABLES 



PART I 
AFRICAN FABLES 




PART I 
AFRICAN FABLES 

THE HEDGEHOG AND THE DOG 

HE Hedgehog and the Dog were formerly good 
friends, and cultivated bananas together. When 
the bananas were full-grown, the Hedgehog used to 
go to look at them every day, and when at last they 
were ripe he invited the Dog to go with him and 
eat them. When the two friends reached the foot of the banana tree, 
the Hedgehog tried in vain to reach the bunches of bananas. The 
Dog, meanwhile, standing on his hind legs, could easily reach up and 
pluck the fruit. He found them so good that he did not stop until he 
had eaten all the bananas, without giving a single one to the Hedge- 
hog, regardless of his entreaties. 

When the Dog had eaten the last banana the Hedgehog said: 
"Now let us play a game that I often play with my brothers. You 
must take a bamboo and sharpen it at both ends ; and when it is sharp 
you must stick it into the ground at the foot of the tree, and then 
climb the tree and jump down on the stick. The Dog was willing to 
play this game, and when all was ready he invited the Hedgehog 
to jump first, and even helped him up the tree, since his friend could 
not climb alone. The Hedgehog jumped first, straight down onto 
the bamboo stick, — but thanks to his stiff quills, he was not hurt. 
Then came the turn of the Dog, and he jumped, and was transfixed 
by the sharp bamboo. As the Hedgehog departed he called over his 
shoulder, "Ask your banana skins to help you!" 

(Senegal Folk-Tale, from Collection de Contes el Chansons Populaires, Vol. 40.) 

451 



452 KRAAL AND WIGWAM FABLES 

THE WREN AND THE CAMEL 

A PAIR of Wrens once built their nest in a hedge beside a high- 
way. Soon after the eggs were hatched, a Camel happened 
to pass that way. The little Wrens saw him, and said to the father 
bird, when he returned from the fields: 

"Oh, papa, a monstrous big animal came by here just now." 

The wren stretched out one leg: "As big as that, my children?" 

"Oh, papa, much bigger than that!" 

The Wren stretched out a leg and a wing: "As big as that, my 
children?" 

"Oh, papa, much bigger." 

Finally the Wren spread out both wings and legs: "As big as that, 
then?" 

"Oh, yes, much bigger!" 

"That is impossible, my children, for there is no animal bigger 
than I! " 

"Just you wait and you will see for yourself," said the little Wrens. 

Presently the Camel came back, browsing along the hedge. The 
Wren was perched beside his nest; and the Camel, biting off a bunch 
of leaves, and not seeing the bird, took him in with them. The Wren, 
however, flew out safe and sound between the Camel's big teeth, and 
hurried back to his children. 

"You are quite right," he said. "The Camel is a monstrous big 
animal. But I am pretty well satisfied with myself, just the same." 

(Kabyle Fable. From Collection de Conies et Chansons Populaires.) 



AFRICAN FABLES 453 



THE CLEVER APE AND THE FOOLISH WOLF 

ONCE upon a time the Lion was roaming through the jungle 
like a mighty chief on his own land. He looked to the right ; 
he looked to the left; he took two steps forward, then stopped, then 
went forward again. All at once an Ape saw the Lion and began 
imitating him and making fun of him. The Lion was angry and 
said: 

"Get back to your place, Ape, and scratch yourself, and stop mak- 
ing fun of me or I will make a meal of you." 

But the Ape, who is a tricky animal, swung safely onto a high 
branch, and there continued to make the same movements and take 
the same steps that the Lion was taking on the ground. And at this 
the Lion became very angry indeed. 

Unluckily for the Ape at the very height of his grimaces and gam- 
bols he lost his balance and fell straight between the paws of the 
Lion, who seized him and was about to make an end of him with 
one powerful bite, when the idea came to him that it would be pleas- 
anter to eat the Ape in company with a friend. Accordingly he flung 
his captive into a small cave, the mouth of which he closed with a 
large stone. After which he set out in search of a fellow-diner. 

Once more alone and somewhat recovered from his fright, the 
Ape's first thought was, "How am I to get away?" So he set to work 
at the mouth of the cave; but the stone was too heavy to push aside, 
and too tight a fit for the Ape to squeeze past it. All his efforts 
were wasted and he was in despair. 

All of a sudden, a Wolf chanced to pass that way and heard the 



454 KRAAL AND WIGWAM FABLES 

Ape howling desperately. The Wolf had lately quarrelled with the 
Ape and still owed him a grudge, so it pleased him to hear the Ape 
howling, and he asked, "Why are you making such an outcry?" 

The Ape, who was quick-witted, saw that if he failed to trick the 
Wolf, he had lost his last chance, so he replied, "I am not crying, I 
am singing." 

"Why are you singing?" asked the Wolf. 

"To help my digestion, while I am waiting for the Rahbit, who 
has gone to get some more meat. This morning he and I arranged 
for a feast together, and we are to continue it all night. We have 
so much food here that I can eat no more; my stomach is too small. 
There are heaps of leavings all around me." 

The Wolf, who is a born glutton, asked coaxingly, "You wouldn't 
refuse an old friend like me a share in the feast, would you?" 

"No, indeed," answered the Ape, "Come right on into the Rabbit's 
hole, there is plenty of food for one more. But for fear any others 
should see us feasting, be careful to make no noise in rolling away the 
stone that closes the doorway." The Wolf obeyed, and the moment 
he rolled aside the stone and started to enter the cave, the Ape slipped 
between his legs and shoved back the stone, leaving the Wolf a 
prisoner. 

Meanwhile the Lion arrived accompanied by his hungry friend. 
"Well, well!" said he, "So the Ape got out of the cave, after all! 
Never mind, we will eat the Wolf instead." And while they made 
their dinner off the Wolf, the clever Ape was dancing and gambolling 
in the tree-top, overjoyed at his success in tricking both of his enemies. 

(Senegambian Fable. From Contes Populaires de la Senegambie, by I. J. B. 

Beranger-Ferard. ) 






AFRICAN FABLES 455 



THE BOAR AND THE CHAMELEON 

A BOAR, hunting for food, met a Chameleon at the foot of a tree. 
"Hello!" said the Boar, "you act as though you were half dead, 
dragging yourself along in that lazy way!" 

"Don't be so proud of your strength, brother Boar," retorted the 
Chameleon, "I am a match for you any day!" 

"Hold your tongue, you wretched little beast!" rejoined the Boar 
angrily. "If you think so well of yourself, will you run a race with 
me?" 

"Of course I will," agreed the Chameleon readily. "Do you see 
that little hill over there? Let that be the goal." 

"All right," said the Boar, and at once started to run. But the 
tricky little Chameleon caught hold of the Boar's tail. When the hill 
was reached, the Boar said, "Well, Chameleon, where are you now?" 

"Here I am," said the Chameleon, who had been quick to let go of 
the Boar's tail and drop to earth. 

"Well, you run faster than I thought you could," said the Boar. 
"Let's try again. This time I won't let myself be beaten !" So they 
ran again and the Chameleon repeated his trick and for the second 
time reached the goal at the same time as his enemy. 

"Haha! haha! Where are you this time, little brother?" called 
the Boar gleefully. 

"Here I am, big brother!" shouted back the tricky little Chameleon. 
And so the Boar, puzzled and ashamed, had to admit that the Chame- 
leon had won the race. 

(Madagascar Fable. From Collection de Contes et de Chansons Populaires, Vol. 38.) 



456 KRAAL AND WIGWAM FABLES 

THE GUINEA-HEN AND THE CROCODILE 

IN the old days the Guinea-hen and the Crocodile were good friends 
and swam in the same waters. But one day the Crocodile said to 
his children, "I have eaten the flesh of all the animals on earth, ex- 
cepting only that of the Guinea-hen. Now I am going to do my best 
to eat that also." So the Crocodile pretended to be dead, and said to 
his children, "Gather together and weep, and send for the Guinea- 
hen." 

So the little Crocodiles went to the Guinea-hen and said to her: 
"Guinea-hen, our father, Ramamba, the Crocodile, is dead, and we 
have come to tell you, because you were his oldest friend." 

Then the Guinea-hen gathered together all her family and said, 
"Oh, my children and my grandchildren, gather together, for we are 
going to the funeral of the old Crocodile, Ramamba." 

When all the little Guinea-fowls had come together, the old Guinea- 
hen said, "The Crocodile wants to eat Guinea-fowls. When we go to 
the funeral, be sure not to go near him until you see me go near him, 
and don't sing until I tell you to." 

Then all the family of Guinea-fowls set out for the funeral of the 
Crocodile. And the little Guinea-fowls and the little Crocodiles all 
greeted each other properly. Then the mother Guinea-hen said to 
the little Crocodiles, "Have you yet held the funeral of your father, 
Ramamba?" 

"Not yet," answered the little Crocodiles. "We are still children, 
and we do not know the proper way to hold a funeral. That is why 
we sent for you and have waited until you came." Then the Guinea- 
hen said, "Sing, my children, while I talk to the Crocodile." Then 



AFRICAN FABLES 457 



she turned to where the wily old Crocodile lay, stiff and silent as 
though he were dead, and asked him: 

"Is it true, Ramamba, that you are dead? If it is true, move your 
feet, so that your children and grandchildren can see and can tell 
themselves, 'Ramamba is dead, and we must recite his great deeds. 
For he is now famous among dead heroes, and many are his deeds 
that must be told.' " 

Ramamba, at this, moved his feet. Then all the little Guinea- 
chicks sang in chorus, "Mbitra! Mbitra!" and the mother Guinea-hen 
said: 

"Ramamba, you have moved your feet ! You, who are dead, never- 
theless still move. Since you are really dead, Ramamba, open your 
jaws, and your children and grandchildren shall sing your praise." 
The Crocodile opened his jaws, and all the little Guinea-chicks again 
began singing, "Mbitra!" 

"Ramamba," began the Guinea-hen again, "if you are really dead, 
open your eyes!" The Crocodile opened his eyes, looked at the 
Guinea-hen and said to himself, "To-day I shall certainly taste the 
flesh of a Guinea-hen!" 

"Turn over on your other side," commanded the Guinea-hen, and 
Ramamba turned over. Then all the little Guinea-chicks ran to- 
gether in a bunch and sang in chorus, "Ramamba meant to eat us all, 
but he shall never taste our flesh!" 

"Our plans have all failed," said the Crocodile to his children, 
"we shall not have the feast we hoped for. But may my curse rest 
upon any one of my descendants who fails to eat a Guinea-fowl if 
he gets the chance!" 

And for her part the Guinea-hen said, "If ever my children or 
grandchildren go into the water, may they be eaten by the Crocodile ! 



458 KRAAL AND WIGWAM FABLES 

When they must bathe, let them bathe in the dust, and when they 
would drink let them quench their thirst in the evening dew!" 

That is why the Guinea-fowl never goes into the water; and that is 
why the Guinea-hen and the Crocodile are no longer friends. 

(Madagascar Fable. From Collection de Contes et de Chansons Populaires, Vol. 38.) 

THE GUINEA-FOWL AND THE HEN 

ONE day when there was no rice left in the rice-fields, the Guinea- 
Fowl and the Hen stole potatoes to satisfy their hunger. 
They lighted a fire, and when the potatoes were roasted, the Hen said : 

"I am going to carry the largest potatoes home with me, and eat 
only the little ones here in the field." 

"And I," said the Guinea-Fowl, "shall be wiser than you. For 
I shall begin by eating all my biggest potatoes. So if the owner of 
the field finds us here, I can leave the small ones and fly away." 

"The owner? The owner?" said the Hen, "I am not afraid of 
him ! If the owner comes, I shall fly off too, and take my big potatoes 
with me!" 

Thereupon the two friends settled down to their feast of potatoes. 
The Hen, according to her plan, picked out only the little ones, while 
the Guinea-Fowl chose only the largest. Presently the owner of the 
field passed that way and, discovering the two thieves, gave chase to 
them. The Guinea-Fowl at once took to flight, deserting her 
friend, the Hen. The latter, loaded down with her big potatoes, fell 
an easy prey to the farmer, who caught and took her home with him. 
That is how the Hen was domesticated by Man, while the Guinea- 
Fowl still runs wild. 

{Madagascar Fable. From Collection de Contes et de Chansons Populaires, Vol. 38.) 



AFRICAN FABLES 459 



THE CAT AND THE RAT 

ONE day a Cat and a Rat wished to cross a river but were daunted 
by its width and the strength of its current. The Rat alone 
knew how to swim, and both were afraid of the Crocodiles. As for 
hiring a canoe, they could not think of such a thing, for they would 
have had to hire a canoe from some Man, and they were afraid of Men. 
At last they decided to make a canoe for themselves cut out of a large 
potato. While the Cat held the potato between her paws, the Rat 
hollowed it out with his teeth which were sharp as hatchets. When 
the canoe was finished they pushed it into the water and both stepped 
in. The Rat paddled because he was the younger. But after a while 
he grew tired and threw down the paddle ; for it seemed as though the 
other side of the river was still a day's journey off. 

"I am very hungry," said the Rat. 

"Hungry? So am I," said the Cat. 

"I am going to gnaw our canoe a little," said the Rat. "It is my 
natural food. Why should I go hungry while there is food within 
reach?" And he began to gnaw the potato. 

"Have a care," said the Cat, "for if you gnaw too deep and wreck 
our canoe, you shall die with me." 

The Rat promised not to gnaw the potato any more. But pres- 
ently he quietly began again, and gnawed a little every time the Cat's 
head was turned; and whenever the Cat looked his way he hid with 
his body the hole that he had gnawed. At last the bottom of the 
canoe was gnawed so thin that it gave way, and began to fill with 
water. Instantly the Rat jumped into the river and swam to shore, 
escaping the Crocodiles. When he was safe on land he began laugh- 



460 KRAAL AND WIGWAM FABLES 

ing at the Cat as he watched her struggle and splutter the water from 
her nose. "If you go to the bottom," he called out, "give my regards 
to the fishes!" 

The Cat was so angry that she felt that she would rather have 
drowned than live to be laughed at like that. In her rage she man- 
aged to struggle ashore, and before the Rat could make his escape, 
she pounced upon him, and seized him by the head. 

"Mercy, Mercy!" cried the Rat! "If you must eat me, begin at 
my tail," for he wanted to see the light of day as long as possible. 

"Don't bother me," said the Cat, and she promptly ate him up. 

And to this day it is a common saying in Madagascar, "Don't bother 
me, said the Cat." 

(Madagascar Fable. From Collection de Contes et de Chansons Populaires, Vol. 38.) 

THE FROG'S SADDLE HORSE 

ONCE upon a time the Elephant and the Frog went courting the 
same girl, and at last she promised to marry the Elephant. 
One day the Frog said to her, 

"That Elephant is nothing but my saddle horse." 

When the Elephant came to call that night the girl said to him: 

"You are nothing but the Frog's saddle horse!" 

When he heard this the Elephant went off at once and found the 
Frog, and asked him : 

"Did you tell the girl that I am nothing but your saddle horse?" 

"Oh, nb indeed," said the Frog, "I never told her that!" 

Thereupon they both started back together to see the girl. On the 
way the Frog said : 

"Grandpa Elephant, I am too tired to walk any further. Let me 
climb up on your back." 





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—Page 460 



AFRICAN FABLES 461 



"Certainly," said the Elephant, "Climb up, my grandson." 
So the Frog climbed up on the Elephant's back. Presently he said: 

"Grandpa Elephant, I am afraid that I am going to fall off. Let 
me take some little cords and fasten them to your tusks, to hold on 
by." 

"Certainly, my grandson," said the Elephant; and he stood still 
while the Frog did as he had asked. Presently the Frog spoke again : 

"Grandpa Elephant, please stop and let me pick a green branch so 
that I can keep the flies off of you." 

"Certainly, my grandson," said the Elephant, and he stood quite 
still while the Frog broke off the branch. Pretty soon they drew near 
to the house where the girl lived. And when she saw them coming, 
the Elephant plodding patiently along with the little Frog perched on 
his broad back, holding the cords in one hand, and waving the green 
branch she came to meet them, calling out, 

"Mr. Elephant, you certainly are nothing but the Frog's saddle 
horse!" 

(From Folk Tales of Angola. By H. Chatelain.) 

THE MAN AND THE CROCODILE 

ONE year, during flood-time, when all the rivers overflowed their 
banks, a Crocodile was carried a long way from his own river, 
and landed so deep in the jungle that he could not find his way back 
to water. For many days he had nothing to drink or to eat, and so 
grew very thin. At last a hunter, looking for deer, met the Crocodile 
and asked: 

"What are you doing here?" 

The Crocodile told his story, and the hunter said: 



462 KRAAL AND WIGWAM FABLES 

"If you will promise not to hurt me, I will carry you back to your 



river." 



The Crocodile promised; and the Hunter bound him with cord, 
put him on his head, and carried him back to the bank of the river. 
Then the Crocodile said: 

"Since you have brought me as far as this, you may as well carry me 
down into the water." So the Hunter, still carrying the Crocodile, 
waded into the river up to his knees. 

"As a favour go a little further," begged the Crocodile. So the 
Hunter went further, until the water was up to his breast. 

"A little further still," begged the Crocodile, and he went on until 
the water was up to his neck. Then he unbound the cords and placed 
the Crocodile in the water, saying: "There now, are you satisfied?" 

"Not yet," answered the Crocodile. "Not until I have eaten you," 
and he seized the unhappy Hunter, and held him tight. 

"Is this my reward for bringing you so far, and saving your life?" 
asked the Hunter. 

"I shall not eat you until we find some one who shall judge be- 
tween us," answered the Crocodile. 

Presently a Horse came down to the river to drink. The Crocodile 
said: "Don't drink until you have judged between us," and then 
told the Horse the facts of the case. The Horse replied: 

"You should eat him, for a Man is a wicked creature. Ever since I 
was a colt, Men have mounted me, driven me, travelled on my back 
and maltreated me. Now that I am old, they no longer take the 
trouble to feed me." 

The Crocodile said : "Let us find a second judge." 

Next came a Cow : and when the case was stated to her, she said : 
"Eat the Man ! Men milk me, drink my milk, and then neglect me 



AFRICAN FABLES 463 



because I am old!" A Donkey next passed by and, being appealed 
to, said: "Eat the Man, and quickly! Men have always worked 
me hard, abused and half starved me ! Now they desert me because 
I am old." 

Last of all came a Rabbit. When asked for his judgment he said 
to the Crocodile: "How could a Man bring you here, a big creature 
like you?" 

"All the same, he did it," answered the Crocodile. 

"How did he do it?" asked the Rabbit. 

"By binding me with cord, and carrying me through the jungle on 
his head." 

The Rabbit told the Hunter to take the cord and show how he had 
bound the Crocodile. When this was done, the Hunter took the 
Crocodile once more on his head, and carried him back to the jungle 
where he had first found him. Then the Rabbit asked the Hunter: 
"Do you eat Crocodiles?" 

"Yes," answered the Hunter. 

"Then eat him, and quickly," advised the Rabbit. "Since the 
Crocodile intended to do you harm." 

(Senegal Fable. From Collection de Contes et de Chansons Populaires.) 

THE RAT AND THE TOAD 

THE rat one day said to the toad: "I can do more than you; for 
you do not know how to run. You do nothing but hop — that 
is the only way you can run!" 

When the toad heard these words of the rat, he said to him: "We 
will see whether you can do more than I. To-morrow I will do some- 



464 KRAAL AND WIGWAM FABLES 

thing; if you can 4o it without anything happening to you, then I will 
admit that you can do more than I." 

The rat agreed to the toad's proposal. 

The next day the toad waited until noon, when the sun was over- 
head and all the workmen went to sit down in the shade of a tree to 
eat their luncheon. Then he hopped over to the men and passed in 
and out among them. 

"See that toad!" said one of the men; but no one wanted to touch 
him. 

Then the toad hopped back to the rat. 

"You saw what I did," said he. "Now you do the same." 

The rat laughed at such a simple task, and ran at once across to 
the tree where the men were sitting in the shade. 

But when the men saw him they exclaimed, "Here is a rat!" and 
they grabbed up sticks and tried to kill him. The poor rat barely 
managed to escape, and ran back, all bruised and sore, to where the 
toad was waiting. 

"Brother Toad," said he, "I thought that I could do more than you ; 
but you have shown me that you can indeed do more than I!" 

No one can excel in every way. 

{Bornu Fable. From African Native Literature, by the Rev. S. W. Koelle.) 



PART II 
AMERICAN INDIAN FABLES 



PART II 
AMERICAN INDIAN FABLES 

THE THREE CRANBERRIES 

THREE Cranberries were living in a lodge together. One 
was green, one was white and one was red. They were 
sisters. There was snow on the ground; and as the men 
were absent, they felt afraid and began saying: "What shall we do 
if the wolf comes?" "I," said the green one, "will climb up the 
shingoub, the spruce tree." "I," said the white one, "will hide my- 
self in the kettle of boiled hominy." "And I," said the red one, 
"will hide myself under the snow." Presently the wolves came, and 
the Three Cranberries hid themselves as they had agreed. But only 
one of the Three had judged wisely. The wolves immediately ran 
to the kettle, and ate up the hominy, and with it the white Cranberry. 
The red one was trampled to pieces by their feet and her blood spotted 
the snow. But the green one that had climbed the thick spruce tree 
escaped notice and was saved. 

(Chippewa Fable. From Indian Tales and Researches, by Henry R. Schoolcraft.) 

THE BEAR AND THE RABBIT 

THE Bear once invited the Rabbit to dine with him. They had 
beans in the pot but there was no fat to cook them with. So 
the Bear took his knife and cut a little slit in his tough skin under the 
thick fur, and let some of the fat run out until they had enough to cook 
the dinner. The Rabbit looked surprised and thought to himself, 

467 



468 KRAAL AND WIGWAM FABLES 

"That is certainly a handy way to get fat. I think I will try it my- 
self." 

When the Rabbit started for home he invited the Bear to come and 
take dinner with him four days later. When the Bear came, on the 
appointed day, the Babbit said: 

"I have beans for dinner, too. Now, I'll get the fat for them." 
So he took a knife, just as he had seen the Bear do, and pricked him- 
self with it, but instead of oil all he got was a few drops of blood. 
The poor little Rabbit cried out, although he was more frightened than 
hurt. The Bear picked him up and bandaged the cut and then 
scolded the Rabbit roundly, "You little fool!" he said, "I am big and 
strong and lined with fat all over; the knife doesn't hurt me. But 
you are small and thin and weak, and you can't do such things!" 

(Adapted from Myths of the Cherokee, by James Mooney.) 

THE OWL AND THE LEMMING 

AN Owl saw a Lemming feeding just outside of his burrow. Ac- 
cordingly, the Owl flew down from the tree and perched at the 
entrance to the burrow, and then said to the Lemming: "Two dog- 
teams are coming this way!" This frightened the Lemming so 
badly that he came up close to his burrow, pretending that he would 
rather be eaten by the Owl than caught by the dogs. He said, "I 
am very fat and you can have a good meal. Take me ! But if you 
wish to celebrate before eating me, I will sing while you dance." 

The Owl agreed to this; he drew himself up and the Lemming be- 
gan to sing while the Owl danced. When dancing, the Owl looked 
up to the sky and quite forgot about the Lemming. While he was 
moving about, he spread his legs far apart, and instantly the Lem- 



AMERICAN INDIAN FABLES 469 

ming ran between them into his burrow. The Owl called to him to 
come out again, saying that the dog-teams had both passed by and 
were gone. But the Lemming's wife told her husband not to go out 
but to throw dirt in the Owl's face. And that was what he did. 

(Eskimo Fable. From The Eskimo in Baffin Land, by Franz Boas.) 

THE OWL AND THE TWO RABBITS 

AN Owl saw two Rabbits playing close together and seized them 
both, one with each foot. But the Rabbits were too strong for 
him, and ran away, dragging the Owl with them. The Owl's wife 
shouted to him: "Let one of the Rabbits go and kill the other!" 
But the Owl replied, "The moon is waning and will soon disappear, 
and then we shall be hungry; we shall need both of them." The 
Rabbits ran on; and when they came to a bowlder, one of the Rab- 
bits ran to the right side, while the other ran to the left side of it. 
The Owl was not able to let go quickly enough and so was torn in two. 

(From The Eskimo in Baffin Land, by Franz Boas.) 

WHY THE BEARS HAVE SHORT TAILS 

AT first all the Bears had long tails. One winter day the Bear 
met the Fox, who had a fine lot of Crawfish. Being hungry the 
Bear wanted some too : so he asked the Fox where and how he got his 
Crawfish. The Fox replied: 

"Go and stick your tail down in the water and let it stay there until 
it pinches you. The more it hurts, the more fish you will have." 

This was what the Bear had in mind to do : so he proceeded down 
to the lake and made a hole through the ice. Sitting over it, he let 



470 KRAAL AND WIGWAM FABLES 

his tail hang in the cold water. When it began to freeze, he felt a 
pain ; but as he wanted to catch lots of fish, he did not stir until his 
tail was frozen fast in the ice. The Fox's instructions were not for- 
gotten: so he suddenly jumped up in the expectation of getting heaps 
of fish ; but he merely broke his tail off near the body instead. And 
ever since the Bears have had short tails. 

(Myths of the Cherokee, by James Mooney.) 

THE MEASURE-WORM ROCK 

THERE were once two little boys living in a valley, who went 
down to the river to swim. After paddling and splashing about 
to their heart's content, they went on shore and crept up a huge bolder 
that stood beside the water, on which they lay down in the warm sun- 
shine to dry themselves. They soon fell asleep and slept so soundly 
that they never wakened more. Through sleeps, moons and snows, 
winter and summer, they slumbered on. Meanwhile the great Rock 
on which they slept was treacherously rising, day and night, little by 
little, until it soon bore them up beyond the sight of their friends, who 
sought them everywhere, weeping. Thus they were borne up at last 
beyond all human help or reach of human voice — lifted up, inch by 
inch, into the blue heavens — far up, far up, until their faces scraped 
the moon ; and still they slumbered and slept, year after year. Then 
at length, upon a time, all the animals assembled together to bring 
down the little boys from the top of the mighty Rock. Every animal 
made a spring up the face of the wall as far as he could leap. The 
little Mouse could only jump up a hand-breadth, the Rat, two hand- 
breadths; the Raccoon, a little higher; and so on; the grizzly Bear 
making a prodigious leap far up the wall, but f ailing back, in vain like 




'THE MORE IT HURTS, THE MORE FISH YOU WILL HAVE.' " 



-Page 169 



AMERICAN INDIAN FABLES 471 

all the others. Last of all, the Lion tried, and he jumped up higher 
than any other animal had; but he fell down flat on his back. Then 
came along Tultakana, the insignificant little Measure- Worm, which 
even the Mouse could have crushed by treading on it, and began to 
creep up the Rock. Step by step, step by step, a little at a time, he 
measured his way up, until presently he was above the Lion's jump ; 
then, pretty soon, out of sight. So he crawled up and up and up, 
through many long sleeps, for about one whole snow, and at last he 
reached the top. Then he took the little boys, and came down the 
same way he went up, and brought them safe down to the ground. 
And so the Rock has ever since been called, Tutochanula after the 
name of Tultakana, the Measure-Worm. 

What all the great animals of the forest could not do, the despised 
Measure-Worm accomplished, simply by patience and perseverance. 

(Meewock Legend. From Northern California Indians, by Stephen Powers, in 
The Overland Monthly, 1872-74.) 

THE CATFISH AND THE MOOSE 

A MOOSE was walking along the river bank when he saw a Cat- 
fish. "Why are you lying there in the water?" he bellowed. 
"I came here because I chose to," said the little Catfish. "What 
business is it of yours? I was made to live in the water, and I have 
a perfect right to be here." 

"Well, what's the good of your getting angry," demanded the 
Moose. "All I need to do is to kick you just once, and that will set- 
tle you. I have half a mind to do it, too." So saying, the Moose 
rushed headlong into the water; but just as he raised his leg to kick 



472 KRAAL AND WIGWAM FABLES 

the Catfish, the lktle animal rolled over on his back and pointed his 
horns at the Moose, crying: "Take that!" 

The Moose stamped on the Catfish, and drove one of the horns way 
into his foot. The pain was so great that the Moose leaped clear out 
of the water onto the bank, and ran up into the woods. The wound 
from the Catfish's horns was like fire, and hurt him worse and worse. 
He lay down on the ground and rolled over and over, and presently 
he died. 

It is wrong to despise any living thing, no matter how small and 
humble it appears to be. 

(Menomeni Fable. From Anthropological Papers, American Museum of Natural 

History, Vol. 13.) 

THE PIGEON-HAWK AND THE TORTOISE 

THE Pigeon-Hawk challenged the Tortoise to a race: but the Tor- 
toise declined it unless the Hawk would consent to run several 
days' journey. The Hawk very quickly consented, and they imme- 
diately set out. The Tortoise knew that if he was to obtain the vic- 
tory it must be by great diligence ; so he went down into the earth and, 
taking a straight line, stopped for nothing. The Hawk, on the con- 
trary, knowing that he could easily beat his competitor, kept care- 
lessly flying this way and that way in the air, stopping to visit one 
friend and then another, till so much time had been lost that when he 
came in sight of the winning point, the Tortoise had just come up out 
of the earth and gained the prize. 

(From Indian Tales and Researches, by Henry R. Schoolcraft, 1839.) 



AMERICAN INDIAN FABLES 473 

THE WIND AND THE DUCK 

ON a bitterly cold day of winter, the Northwest Wind, rising, 
saw a solitary Duck diving through the few holes still remain- 
ing in the ice, near the shore of a great Bay. 

"What folly!" blustered the Wind, "to try to resist me who have 
driven every other living creature away." 

So saying, the Wind blew so hard and so cold that he froze over all 
the remaining holes, and forced the poor little Duck to take shelter 
under the lea of the bank. Satisfied with this success, the Wind re- 
tired, whistling, to his far-away home in the mountains. When he 
arose the next morning, he found, to his surprise, that the Duck had 
discovered some new holes and was pushing the reeds out of her way 
and diving as cheerfully as ever. 

"This will never do," howled the Wind, "No Duck is going to get 
the best of me!" 

So for a whole week the Wind blew, harder and harder, bleaker 
and bleaker every day. But regularly each morning, when he arose 4 
he found the little Duck steadily at work, seeking out or breaking new 
holes, or else patiently waiting for the ice to drift out of her way, and 
earning her living as best she could. At last the Wind said to him- 
self: 

"Such brave persistence deserves success. I may as well leave the 
Duck in peace." 

(Indian Fable, From American Wonderland, by Richard Meade Bache, 1871.) 



474 KRAAL AND WIGWAM FABLES 

THE LYNX AND THE HARE 

ONE day, in the dead of winter, when food was very scarce, 
a half starved Lynx discovered a modest little Hare standing 
on a high rock in the woods secure from any attack. 

"Come down, my pretty one," said the Lynx, in a persuasive tone, 
"I have something to say to you." 

"Oh, no, I can't," answered the Hare. "My mother has often told 
me to avoid strangers." 

"Why, you sweet little obedient child," said the Lynx, "I am de- 
lighted to meet you! Because you see I happen to be your uncle. 
Come down at once and talk to me; for I want to send a message to 
your mother." 

The Hare was so pleased by the friendliness of her pretended uncle, 
and so flattered by his praise that, forgetting her mother's warning, 
she leaped down from the rock and was promptly seized and devoured 
by the hungry Lynx. 

(Indian Fable. From American Wonderland, by Richard Meade Bache, 1871.) 

THE WILDCAT AND THE RABBIT 

THE Wildcat once caught the Rabbit and was about to kill him, 
when the Rabbit begged for his life, saying: "I'm so small 
that I would make only a mouthful for you. But if you let me go I'll 
show you where you can get a whole drove of Turkeys." So the 
Wildcat let him up and went with him to where the Turkeys were. 
When they came near the place the Rabbit said to the Wildcat, "Now, 
you must do as I say. Lie down as if you were dead and don't move, 




" 'LET'S HAVE A DANCE OVER HIM.' 



— Page 475 



AMERICAN INDIAN FABLES 475 

even if I kick you, but when I give the word jump up and catch the 
largest one there." The Wildcat agreed and stretched out as if dead. 

Then the Rabbit went over to the Turkeys and said in a sociable 
way, "Here I've found our old enemy the Wildcat lying dead in the 
trail. Let's have a dance over him." The Turkeys were very doubt- 
ful, but finally went with him to where the Wildcat was lying in the 
road as if dead. Now the Rabbit had a good voice and was a great 
dance leader, so he said, "I'll lead the song and you dance around 
him." The Turkeys thought that fine, so the Rabbit took a stick to 
beat time and began to sing: "Galagi na hasuyak" (pick out the 
Gobbler, pick out the Gobbler.) 

"Why do you say that," asked the old Turkey a little anxiously. 
"Oh, that's all right," said the Rabbit carelessly, "that's just the way 
the Wildcat used to do, and we're only singing about it." 

So the Rabbit started the song again, and the Turkeys began to 
dance around the Wildcat. When they had gone around several 
times, the Rabbit said: "Now go up and hit him, as we do in the 
war dance." So the Turkeys, thinking the Wildcat was surely dead, 
crowded in close around him, and the old Gobbler kicked him. Then 
the Rabbit drummed his hardest and sang his loudest, "Pick out the 
Gobbler, pick out the Gobbler," and the Wildcat jumped up and 
caught the Gobbler. 

(Myths of the Cherokee, by James Mooney.) 

HOW THE RABBIT ESCAPED FROM THE WOLVES 

SOME Wolves once caught the Rabbit and were going to eat him, 
when he asked leave to show them a new dance that he was prac- 
ticing. They knew that the Rabbit was a great dancer and song- 



476 KRAAL AND WIGWAM FABLES 

leader, and they .wanted to learn the latest dance; so they agreed to 
let him show them, and made a ring about him while he got ready. 
The Rabbit patted his feet and began to dance around in a circle, sing- 
ing: 

"On the edge of the field I dance about, 
Hania HI! HI! Hania HI! HI!" 
"Now," said the Rabbit, "when I sing, 'On the edge of the field,' 
I dance that way," and he danced over in the direction where he 
pointed — "and when I sing, 'HI! HI!' you must all stamp your feet 
hard." The Wolves thought it fine. Presently the Rabbit began 
another round, singing the same song, and danced a little nearer to 
the field, while the Wolves all stamped their feet. He sang louder 
and louder, and danced nearer and nearer to the field, until, at the 
fourth song, when the Wolves were stamping their very hardest and 
thinking only of the song, the Rabbit made one jump and was off 
through the long grass. The Wolves were after him at once, but he 
ran for a hollow stump and climbed up inside the hollow. When the 
Wolves reached the stump, one of them thrust his head inside and 
looked up. But the Rabbit spit down at him, and he had to draw 
back. The other Wolves were afraid to try, and they all went away, 
leaving the Rabbit safe in the stump. 

{From Myths of the Cherokee, by James Mooney.) 

HOW THE TERRAPIN ESCAPED FROM THE WOLVES 

THE 'Possum and the Terrapin went together to hunt persim- 
mons, and found the tree full of ripe fruit. The 'Possum 
climbed the tree and was throwing down the persimmons to the Ter- 
rapin, when a Wolf came up and began to snap up the persimmons as 



AMERICAN INDIAN FABLES 477 

fast as they fell, before the Terrapin could reach them. The 'Possum 
watched his chance and at last managed to throw down a very large 
persimmon, which stuck in the Wolf's throat and choked him to death. 
"I'll cut his ears off for hominy spoons," said the Terrapin, and 
having done so, started for home with them, leaving the 'Possum still 
eating persimmons up the tree. After a while the Terrapin came to 
a house and was invited in to have some hominy gruel from the jar 
that is always set outside the door. He sat down beside the jar and 
dipped up the gruel with one of the Wolf's ears for a spoon. The 
people noticed and wondered. When he had eaten enough, he went 
on, and soon came to another house and was asked to have some more 
hominy. He dipped it up again with the wolf's ear and went on when 
he had had enough. Soon the news spread that the Terrapin had 
killed the Wolf and was using his ears for spoons. Accordingly all 
the Wolves gathered together and followed the Terrapin's trail until 
they came up with him and made him prisoner. Then they held a 
council to decide what to do with him, and agreed to boil him in a 
clay pot. They brought in the pot; but the Terrapin only laughed 
at it and said that if they put him into that thing, he would kick it all 
to pieces. Then they said that they would burn him in the fire, but 
the Terrapin laughed again and said that he would put the fire out. 
Then they decided to throw him into the deepest hole in the river and 
drown him. This time the Terrapin did not laugh, but begged and 
begged them not to do such a dreadful thing. But the Wolves paid 
no attention to his prayers, but dragged him down to the river and 
threw him in. This was just what the Terrapin had been waiting for 
all the time, and he dived into the water and came up on the other 
side of the river and got safely away. 

{From Myths of the Cherokee, by fames Mooney.) 



478 KRAAL AND WIGWAM FABLES 

HOW THE REDBIRD GOT HIS COLOUR 

AS a Raccoon was passing a Wolf one day he made several in- 
sulting remarks, until at last the Wolf became very angry and 
turned and chased him. The Raccoon ran his best and managed to 
reach a tree by the riverside before the Wolf came up. He climbed 
the tree and stretched himself out on a limb overhanging the water. 
When the wolf arrived, he saw the reflection of the Raccoon below the 
limb in the water; and, thinking that it was the Raccoon himself, he 
jumped at it and was nearly drowned before he could scramble out 
again, all wet and dripping. He lay down on the bank to dry, and 
presently fell asleep. While he was sleeping, the Raccoon came 
down the tree and plastered both of the Wolf's eyes with clay. When 
the Wolf woke, he found that he could not open his eyes, and began 
to whine. Along came a little Brown Bird through the bushes and, 
hearing the Wolf whining, asked what was the matter. The Wolf 
told his story and said, "If you will help me get my eyes open, I will 
show you where to find some fine red paint to paint yourself with." 

"All right," said the Brown Bird. So he pecked at the Wolf's 
eyes until he got off all the clay that the Raccoon had plastered them 
with. Then the Wolf took the Brown Bird to a rock that had bright 
streaks of red paint running through it, and the little bird painted 
himself and ever since has been a Redbird. 

(From Myths of the Cherokee, by James Mooney.) 



AMERICAN INDIAN FABLES 479 

THE HUMMING-BIRD AND THE CRANE 

THE Humming-bird and the Crane were both in love with the 
same pretty girl. She preferred the Humming-bird, who was 
as pleasing to look at as the Crane was awkward. But the Crane was 
so persistent that in order to get rid of him she finally told him that 
he must challenge the other bird to a race and that she would marry 
the winner. The Humming-bird was so swift — almost like a flash of 
lightning — and the Crane so slow and heavy, that she felt sure the 
Humming-bird would win. She did not know that the Crane could 
fly at night. 

They agreed to start at her house and fly around the circle of the 
world, back to the starting point. And the one who came in first 
should win the girl. When the word was given, the Humming-bird 
darted off like an arrow and was out of sight in a moment, leaving his 
rival to follow heavily behind. He flew all day, and when evening 
came and he stopped to roost for the night, he was far ahead. But 
the Crane flew steadily all night long, passing the Humming-bird soon 
after midnight, and going on until he came to a creek, where he 
stopped to rest about daybreak. The Humming-bird woke up in the 
morning and flew on again thinking how easily he would win the race. 
But when he reached the creek, there he found the Crane, spearing 
tadpoles with his long bill for breakfast. The Humming-bird was 
much surprised and wondered how this could have happened ; but he 
flew swiftly by and soon left the Crane once more out of sight. 

The Crane finished his breakfast and again started on ; and when 
evening came he still kept on as before. This time it was not yet mid- 



480 KRAAL AND WIGWAM FABLES 

night when he passed the Humming-bird sleeping on a limb; and in 
the morning he had finished his breakfast before the other came up. 
The next day he gained a little more; and on the fourth day he was 
spearing tadpoles for dinner when the Humming-bird passed him. 
On the fifth and sixth days it was late in the afternoon before the 
Humming-bird overtook him; and on the seventh morning the Crane 
was a whole night's travel ahead. He took his time at breakfast and 
then fixed himself up spick and span at the creek, arriving at the 
starting-point about the middle of the morning. When the Hum- 
ming-bird at last came in, it was afternoon and he had lost the race. 
But the girl declared that she would never have such an ugly fellow 
for a husband, so she stayed single. 

(From Myths of the Cherokee, by James Mooney.) 

HOW THE DEER GOT HIS HORNS 

IN the beginning the Deer had no horns, but his head was as smooth 
as that of a doe. He was a great runner, and the Rabbit was a 
great jumper; and all the other animals were curious to know which 
of the two could go further in the same time. They talked about it 
a good deal, and at last arranged a match between them, and made a 
fine, large pair of antlers as a prize for the winner. The Deer and the 
Rabbit were to start together from one side of a thicket and go through 
it, and turn and come back again — and the one who came out first was 
to receive the horns. 

On the day fixed for the race all the animals were there, with 
the antlers put down on the ground at the edge of the thicket, 
to mark the starting point. While everybody was admiring 
the horns, the Rabbit said: "I don't know this part of the 




"SHE DID NOT KNOW THAT THE CRANE COULD FLY AT NIGHT. 



-Page 1,7 it 



AMERICAN INDIAN FABLES 481 

country; I want to take a look through the bushes where I am to run." 
The other animals thought this was only fair; so the Rabbit was al- 
lowed to go into the thicket. But he was gone so long that at last 
the animals suspected that he must be up to one of his many tricks. 
They sent a messenger to look for him ; and there, in the very middle 
of the thicket he found the Rabbit gnawing down the bushes and pull- 
ing them away, until he had a road cleared nearly all the way to the 
further side. 

The messenger turned around quietly and came back and told the 
other animals. When the Rabbit at last came out of the thicket, 
they accused him of cheating, but he denied it until they went into 
the thicket and saw for themselves the cleared road. They decided 
that such a trickster had no right to enter the race at all, so they gave 
the horns to the Deer, who was admitted to be the best runner; and he 
has worn them ever since. They told the Rabbit that, as he was so 
fond of cutting down bushes, he might do that for a living, and so he 
does to this day. 

(From Myths of the Cherokee, by James Mooney.) 

HOW THE WILDCAT GOT ITS SPOTS 

ALONG time ago a Wildcat pursued a Rabbit, and was about to 
catch him when the Rabbit ran into a hollow tree. The Wild- 
cat took a position in front of the entrance, and told the Rabbit that 
he would remain there until the Rabbit, from hunger, would be com- 
pelled to come out; that he need not think of escape. After a time 
the Rabbit said he would come out and let the Wildcat make a meal 
of him on one condition, and that was that the Wildcat should make 
a fire in front of the tree, saying that as soon as a bed of coals suf- 



482 KRAAL AND WIGWAM FABLES 

ficient to roast him had been prepared he would come out and be 
roasted; that he did not want to be eaten raw. 

The Wildcat built the fire as directed; and when the sticks were 
burned to coals, he settled himself on his haunches and notified the 
Rabbit that all was ready, whereat the Rabbit gave a spring, striking 
all his feet into the coals, knocking them into the face and over the 
breast of the Wildcat, and then escaping. This burned the hair in 
spots on the Cat's breast, and when it grew out again it was white. 
This is why the Wildcat has white spots on his breast. 

(Myths of the Cherokee, by James Mooney.) 

THE RABBIT AND THE/POSSUM AFTER A WIFE 

THE Rabbit and the'Possum each wanted a wife, but no one would 
marry either of them. They talked over the matter, and the 
Rabbit said: 

"We can't get wives here; let's go to the next settlement. I'm 
the messenger for the council and I'll tell the people that I bring an 
order that everybody must take a mate at once, and then we'll be sure 
to get our wives." 

The'Possum thought this a fine plan, so they started off together 
to the next town. As the Rabbit travelled faster he got there first 
and waited outside until the people noticed him and took him into 
the townhouse. When the Chief came to ask his business the Rabbit 
said he brought an important order from the council that everybody 
must get married without delay. So the Chief called the people to- 
gether and told them the message from the council. Every animal 
took a mate at once, and the Rabbit got a wife. 

The'Possum travelled so slowly that he got there after all the ani- 



AMERICAN INDIAN FABLES 483 

mals had mated, leaving him still without a wife. The Rabbit pre- 
tended to feel sorry for him, and said: 

"Never mind, I'll carry the message to the people in the next set- 
tlement, and you hurry on as fast as you can, and this time you will 
get your wife." 

So he went on to the next town, and the'Possum followed close after 
him. But when the Rabbit got to the townhouse he sent out the 
word that, as there had been peace so long that everybody was get- 
ting lazy, the council had ordered that there must be war at once and 
they must begin right in the townhouse. So they all began fighting, 
but the Rabbit made four great leaps and got away just as the Possum 
came in. Everybody jumped on the'Possum, who had not thought 
of bringing his weapons on a wedding trip, and so could not defend 
himself. They had nearly beaten the life out of him when he fell 
over and pretended to be dead until he saw a good chance to jump up 
and get away. The'Possum never got a wife, but he remembers the 
lesson, and ever since he shuts his eyes and pretends to be dead when 
the hunter has him in a close corner. 

(Myths of the Cherokee, by James Mooney.) 

THE MINK, THE PIKE AND THE PICKEREL 

ONCE a Mink was running along the bank of a river when he 
saw a Pickerel basking in the water close to the shore. He 
gaped at the Pickerel and licked his chops. "Oh, how I wish I could 
eat that one," he thought; but he hesitated to jump at it: "My, no, 
he's too big." So at last the Mink started off disappointed. 

He trotted along and presently came to a place where he saw an- 
other huge fish close to the shore. This time it was an enormous 



484 KRAAL AND WIGWAM FABLES 

Pike. The Mink- gaped at him too. "Oh, how I wish I could eat 
that one. Oh, if I could only eat either one of the two wouldn't I 
have a full stomach?" But the Mink dared not tackle the Pike any 
more than the Pickerel. "But isn't there some way I can manage it?" 
he thought in his heart. "Perhaps I can fix it so as to get one of 
them. If I could only start them fighting, then perhaps one would 
kill the other, and I could eat that one." 

So the Mink went back to the Pickerel and found him still basking 
in the spot where he had first seen him. "Pickerel," he called down 
to him, "The Pike is telling lies about you." The Pickerel answered, 
"What right has he to speak of me at all? Such an ugly looking 
fish too, with whitish eyes !" The Mink trotted back to where he had 
left the Pike. "Pike, Pickerel is telling lies about you!" The Pike 
called back in answer, "What business has he to speak of me at all? — 
A fish with such a long homely jaw!" The Mink ran back to the 
Pickerel and tattled again. "How dare he lie about me? He is an 
ugly, short-bodied, pot-bellied beast," said Pickerel. The Mink hur- 
ried back to the Pike. "Say Pike, Pickerel is lying about you again." 
This time the Pike was very angry indeed, and uttering the worst 
curse that a fish can, he said, "How dare he talk like that? A thing 
with spots on him! Oh, you bad Pickerel! I know that Mink is 
telling the truth!" Mink ran back and tattled some more. "Pick- 
erel is at it again, telling more lies about you !" "Well, then, he and 
I will have to fight it out," was the reply. 

Mink ran back and said, "Pickerel is on his way up-stream to fight 
you." "All right, I'll fight him," said Pike, and he started down 
stream. The two fish met half-way and fought, while the Mink stood 
on the bank and watched. They bit each other and rolled over and 
over, churning up the water. As they rolled Mink could see the 



AMERICAN INDIAN FABLES 485 

gleam of their white bellies plainly. "I wonder how it will come 
out," he kept repeating to himself. The two fish raged on for quite a 
while. At last they were so tired that they could hardly throw each 
other. "Perhaps they are nearly played out already," said Mink. 

After a while the Mink saw that both fish were exhausted, and 
only their fins moved. They lay floating with their undersides turned 
uppermost. "Oh, they've killed each other, they're both done for! 
Well, I may as well roll up my leggings and wade in." So the Mink 
waded in and dragged the two heavy fish, one after the other, high 
up on the bank. Then he started a fire, and arranged a grill of 
branches over the flame. When the fish were cooked the Mink 
started in to eat them. He ate and ate, and presently his stomach felt 
fuller than it had ever felt before. 

Those who listen to tale-bearers are likely to be drawn into foolish 
quarrels. 

(From Menomeni Folk-lore, by Skinner and Satterlee.) 

THE LINNET AND THE EAGLE 

THE Birds met together one day to try which could fly highest. 
Some flew up very swiftly, but soon got tired and were passed by 
others of stronger wing. But the Eagle went up beyond them all, and 
was ready to claim victory, when a grey Linnet, a very small bird, flew 
from the Eagle's back where it had perched unperceived, and being 
fresh and unexhausted succeeded in going highest. When the Birds 
came down and met in council to award the prize, it was given to the 
Eagle because that Bird had not only gone up nearer to the sun than 
any of the other Birds, but had carried the Linnet on its back. 

(Ojibway Fable.) 



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